Locally called ‘Tobaski’, it is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah's command.
However, before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son in the name of Allah, and because of his willingness to do so, Allah provided him with a lamb to kill in his son's place. In commemoration of this intervention, animals are ritually sacrificed. Part of their mutton is consumed by the family that offers the animal, while the rest is distributed to the poor and the needy.
Mafugi Ceesay, Head of Communications and Public Relations Officer for Abubacarr Jawara Foundation said the gesture is carried out yearly to ensure both the rich and poor are equal on the day.
He added that in addition to the rams, they will also give cash to other needy and poor families to buy rams for themseleves and patronise Gambian ram dealers in the process.
He added that the foundation also supports the less privileged during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Most families cannot afford to buy a ram for themselves in the country and it is therefore important to support them to ensure they celebrace, be happy and rejoice on the day with their families,” he stated.
He noted that they hope to continue the gesture as long as they can afford it.
