Eastleigh businesses reopen after Eid-ul-Adha celebrations

Most businesses in Eastleigh reopened on Monday, June 17, following closures on Sunday for the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations. 

Shops in prominent malls such as Mandera, Bangkok, Amal, and Sunrise on Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue all resumed operations.

On Saturday morning, business was slow as the Muslim faithful were fasting to mark the Day of Arafa. However, the situation changed in the evening when thousands flocked to Eastleigh malls to shop for Eid celebrations.

Today, upon reopening, business owners reported a decline in customer traffic, although they expect a surge in the subsequent days.

Ibrahim Sayid who sells electronics at Yare Towers, noted that he had not served any customers by 9 a.m. 

"No customer has arrived so far by now. People might be resting after the celebrations yesterday," said Ibrahim.

He, however, expressed hope that customers would come later, although he did not expect the same volume as the previous days. 

"Customers were so many the previous days because they were shopping for Eid. Now Eid is gone, and that is why their number is too low," Ibrahim lamented.

The purchase of clothes for men, women, and children, whose demand increases during the preparations for Eid celebrations, has also reduced. 

Salah Abdullahi, who sells men's clothing, observed that it would take time for business to return to normalcy. 

He, however, projects sales to increase by Wednesday, June 19. 

"It will take time. Maybe by Wednesday, the business will stabilise. People bought what they needed during the Eid preparations," said Salah.

The areas where goats were sold for the Eid celebrations are also empty. Goat sellers have vacated places such as Jam Street, the junction of Waudo and Keroe Streets, Seven Street, and Muratina Street. 

The Islamic faith prescribes that Qurbani, or sacrifice, can be performed for three days during Eid-ul-Adha. Monday being the second day of Eid, those looking to purchase goats might have to seek other locations.

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When Qurbani is done, at least one-third of the meat from the animal must go to poor or vulnerable people. Traditionally, a Muslim would keep one-third of the meat for their family and give the final third to their neighbours.

Although Islam allows the sacrifices of cows and camels, most Muslims prefer sacrificing a goat, just like it was done by Prophet Ibrahim. Also, being a bit cheaper compared to other animals makes it easy to access.