Celebrations do not have to be expensive; you simply have to make them memorable. When I look back at my childhood, I still remember how we used to walk from door to door and receive gifts or “Saliboo” from our elders. These concepts are still in practice in many parts of The Gambia. However, similar to other religious festivals, many Muslims spend a lot of their savings on Eid celebrations.
This article will teach you some simple ways to help you make an enjoyable and inexpensive Eid (Tobaski). First, let’s discuss what Eid Al Adha is.
What is Eid Al Adha
Eid al-Adha means ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’. It was a historical event when God commanded Prophet Abraham in a dream vision to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. However, while he was in the act of sacrificing him, God sent Angel Gabriel with a ram. Gabriel informed him that his dream was fulfilled and instructed him to sacrifice the ram instead of his son.
In the Gambia and other West African countries, we also call Eid Al-Adha as Tobaski.
Here are several ways to keep your spending under control and still make a memorable Tobaski.
1. Make a Tobaski Budget
There are different ways to set a festive spending budget. You can set a spending limit or prepare a detailed list.
- Spending limit – You set a specific limit for the festive, e.g., one can set a limit of D30,000 for the feast and nothing more. Cut your clothes accordingly to the available fabric.
- Allocate with a detailed list – You list all the activities and allocate the amount to spend on each activity. For example, D15,000 for a ram, D10,000 for new clothes, etc.
After making a list of all the items you want to buy, then go over it and decide once more. If you do not have enough funds to cover the budget? Go through it and cut some items or amounts.
While spending limits can help you make a great budget, it is essential to note that a budget should be realistic. If the budget is unrealistic, it can be frustrating.
Do not just pick a number out of the sky; think about it well before you attach it to the list. Do you think you will get ram for D5,000 in Serrekunda?
Whatever approach you use is up to you; one thing I know is you need to choose one approach. Create it before buying anything.
2. Track Your Spending
A budget is of little use if you do not track your spending. Personally, I use Excel to plan and track all my spending for any holiday and festive. I also ensure that monies that are not for the festive are moved to a different account or investment.
3. Partner and contribute to buy a ram or cow
Sacrificing something on Tobaski day is a good deed. However, it is indeed not compulsory for anyone who does not have the means. Nonetheless, you have other options to buy ram. Look for three to four other people and partner with them to buy one ram. You can share it with your families to also enjoy the day. In my village, we contribute to buying bulls.
4. Choose reasonable traditions
Our traditions make the festival unique, but they can sometimes be a financial burden. If your Tobaski tradition includes buying new clothes for everyone, sacrificing three rams, or surprising kids with expensive gifts, you might find yourself with a large budget.
While traditions are important, and I love them too, they do not have to be costly to be memorable. In fact, you might find that your family prefers you spend this period with them, meet other family members, etc.
Teach your kids that Tobaski is not about what you wear, but the time you spend together.
5. Don’t take any loan
If you work in the Gambia civil service, you will understand the one-by-six, aka one-by-trouble. The government used to offer a salary advance for repayment within six months.
All the borrowers enjoy the free money, but later some people hate the system as payroll deductions start and their disposal incomes go down.
Whether it is a one-by-trouble or microfinance loan, I always discourage all forms of credits to celebrate. If you have kids attending school, remember that schools will inevitably open this September. Yes, September must come.
6. Go mobile.
Festive is another opportunity to catch up with old friends and family. Depending on your financial ability, you can call some people and send a text message to the rest. At least they appreciate that you have remembered them during the feast.
WhatsApp and SMS are free or cheap communication and do not require postage.
7. Shop Earlier
Last-minute shopping is one of the common mistakes among shoppers. You wait until three days to Tobaski to buy clothes or sacrifice. Give yourself at least ten days to the festive date. Buy your clothes on time as last-minute purchases can be expensive.
8. Invite others to celebrate with you
Your coworkers, classmates or neighbours who are non-Muslims may have no idea about Eid. Invite them over for the Tobaski and show them what it is all about and what it means to you. They will feel included in the celebration and have some understanding of you and Islamic traditions.
Always mention to them that you welcome questions, and they should always feel comfortable approaching you.
While gift should not be your objective, you will be surprised that one or two invitees may bring gifts for you.
Final Word
Tobaski celebrations take place with friends and family, and among the whole community. Children often receive new clothes, and adults exchange gifts. You should be clear that you do not have to be extravagant about the celebration. Sacrifice is not about spending more money but the willingness to give up what is essential to our survival.
Remember, there is life after Eid, including fuel price, food, school fees and inflation.
Do you have a Tobaski or Eid budget? How do you save money during the festive season? May God accept deeds.
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