The Eid -al- Azha or Azha, one of the most important festivals the Muslims celebrate all over the world, would be observed in India on Wednesday. like every year, the festivities are in the air on Tuesday, the festival being deeply rooted in the social fabric of the district known for the interfaith goodwill. It is the time for those professing Islam to connect with their non-Muslim brethren. It is also the time for the privileged to share the joy with the unprivileged. The Pioneer has spoken to some of the city residents on the significance of the festival.
Zil Hijjah is the month during which the financially well- off Muslims embark on Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca followed by the grand festival of Bakrid Eid or Eid-ul-Adha celebrated on the 10th of 'Hijjah' month. The spirit behind this fest, observed across the world by the Muslims, is to commemorate the legendary readiness of Ibrahim to follow Allah's command by sacrificing his son as a sign of the sincerity of his faith. Ibrahim shows that his love for his lord supersedes all others, something which exemplifies the true relation between the God and those he has created.
Speaking of the spirit of the sacrifice underlying the festival, Vineeta Prince, a Christian woman said, “The history behind the observance of Eid-ul-Adha is similar to the Christian and Jewish legends according to which the God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac by way of a severe test of his devotion, but intervened in the nick of time to save the son from being sacrificed. This is what we all must be ready for. All the worldly relation we enjoy here is nothing in comparison to our relation with God. We must be ready to undertake the supreme sacrifice on His altar if the situation so warrants.”
However, aside from the religious/spiritual, there is a secular aspect behind the festival too. Arzoo- a member of a non-governmental organisation- said, “It is the time to connect to our non-Muslim friends, invite them home to enjoy with us. I take special care for my vegetarian friends.”
Dwelling on the philanthropic aspect of the festival, Padma Shri awardee Khalid Zaheer said that the economically well- off section of the community observes the day by reaching out to the less fortunate people. “The spirit of sacrifice that the festival celebrates should not be reduced to extravaganza. It is simple and it should be kept so,” he said.
Suggesting ways to celebrate Eid in a better way, Arzoo said that the governments and the Muslim associations must come forward to prevent the people from sacrificing animals in public places. “In the metro cities, the rule is being enforced. However, it is time to enforce it in other places too,” added Arzoo.