Prof. Abdulganiyu Oladosu, the Chief Imam of University of Ilorin, has charged Muslims to observe the Eid-el-Kabir festival as a moment for sober reflection and not as carnival.

Oladosu gave the charge on Friday at a sermon delivered during the Jum'at prayer at the university's Central Mosque in Ilorin.

The cleric said the slaughtering of rams was not a celebration of joy but a test from God.

"The slaughtering of one's child as instructed by God will not have been a cause for joy or celebration, so, the sacrifice calls for sober reflection.

"Also, the slaughtering of rams should not be seen as celebration time because the blood of the ram goes with the intention of obedience to God."

He decried attempt by many Nigerians to impose western civilisation into Islamic religious injunction, saying "there is a great difference between Eid-el-Kabir and ariya (merriment).

"The slaughtering of ram is not compulsory, as Almighty Allah recommends that if one can, he or she can do it but if not, nobody should stress himself or herself ."

The cleric gave an example of a Muslim cleric whose daughter, about to wed immediately after Eid-el-Kabir died two days to the festival, asking "will such Muslim parents of the deceased be slaughtering ram or celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir?."

Oladosu said God wanted people to be grateful to Him for whatever happens. The chief imam reminded Muslims that God would always ask for three things from them about whatever they do in life.

These are: whether we are faithful in our actions, fair to all and taking adequate care for our family members and pets, under our care.