Saboda Soyayyar Salah

Joy spreads like whirlwind when it's Christmas. Hope and fulfillment that dwells within me when it's Easter. But there was a unique feeling that rose within me when I experienced my first Salah, in my period of National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), at Taraba State. My experience during the feast of Salah was a memorable one to behold. Just remembering it still brings a smile to my face; and wakes up that special feeling that made me incredibly happy.

"Barka d'salah" meaning Greetings on Salah, falls on the 10th day of Dhu-Hijjah. It is the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar. According to Google, it is the practice of formal worship in Islam. To perform Salah, Muslims must be in a state of ritual purity; which is mainly achieved by ablution. "A person who doesn't pray 5 times a day is a non believer", says the Hanbali School of thought. It is a combined celebration with the Blessed Feast which means 'Eid Mubarak' in Arabic and Festival of Breaking the fast which means "Eid al-fitir' in West Africa. Barka d'salah is a traditional greeting that's being said on Salah and on the day of the Blessed Feast, also known as the 'Blessed Eid'.

The memories of Salah is still fresh to me, like it just happened yesterday. I still remember the food and pastries that welcomed me as I stepped into my apartment. The sweet 'Kunu' and the delicious 'Fura d'Nunu' that seemed not to satisfy me. Oh! I can still recall being so filled up from having eaten so much food. Men were looking so handsome in their 'kaftan'. Women looking gorgeous in their attire, especially with their henna designs; smiling beautifully at anyone they came across. Children singing, playing and laughing; going from house to house to greet family and friends. Even I was captivated by the moment. It was really contagious.

I've never felt so loved and welcomed as I did on those periods. During those times, religion and culture did not matter. All hatred and resentments are forgotten. What mattered was the event. One could be easily swirled around by the whole occasion. The spark in their eyes and the joy in their laughter were irresistible. I can remember being carried away by all that happened around me. It was really a moment to behold.

If there's one thing I miss most about staying in the North, it's the wonderful celebration of Salah, and all the amazing emotions that comes with it.

                              BARKA D'SALAH !!!