Muslim community celebrated Bakr-Id or Id-ul-Azha with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor on Wednesday. On this occasion, the members of the minority community performed ‘Namaz’ (Prayer) at Bade Idgah for the well beings of country, community and welfare of common man.
After the Namaz, they hugged and greeted each other. They extended compliments to members of other communities as well. After the Namaz they also went to burial ground and read ‘fateha’ over the tombs of their ancestors. After this they performed sacrifice of goats.
Notably, Bakrid, to be rightly called Id-ul-Azha, is one of the most important Muslim festivals. This festival is observed and celebrated as a Festival of Sacrifice by Muslims all over the world. It falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hagg, the last month of the lunar year. Bakrid is celebrated in commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice at God’s command. On this day, goats are sacrificed as an offering.
Bakrid is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigor among Muslims. Men and women dress up in new clothes and go to mosques. They offer special prayers or ‘Dua’ for the peace and prosperity of all Muslims. After the prayer, sacrifice is done. Muslims greet one another Id Mubarak and share their warmth. They visit relatives and friends and exchange gifts. Special delicacies and dishes are prepared and served amongst family and friends.
The history of Id-ul-Azha/ Bakr-Id dates back to the times of Ibrahim. On the day of Bakr-Id, Muslims observe animal sacrifice to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. Ibrahim dreamt of being commanded by God to sacrifice the person dearest to him to check his obedience. Ibrahim decided to sacrifice his only son Ismail who was just 13 years old at that time. When Ibrahim revealed to him about God’s command, he was surprised to see the boy not defying the fact of being sacrificed.
When Ibrahim was about to sacrifice the boy, Allah voiced stating that he need not carry out his order, as he had passed the test of devotion. He was further instructed to sacrifice a lamb instead of his only son. Ibrahim, by the Grace of Allah was blessed with another son, Is-haaq (Isaac).
The history of Hajj pilgrimage revolves around the surrender of Ibrahim and his family to Allah. Bakr-Id is a celebration of ardent faith of the believers in Allah and His word Quran. It is recommended that the sacrifice is made in the name of Allah. The offering that is sacrificed is divided into three portions: One being set apart for personal consumption, another part to be distributed amongst friends and relatives and the third part to be given to the poor and needy.
Id-ul-Azha/ Bakr-Id holds animal sacrifice as one of the most significant aspects in its celebration. In order to honour the event of Ibrahim’s attempt to sacrifice his son, Muslims commence animal sacrifice, so as to conform to Allah’s command, and Allah’s mercy in substituting a lamb for the child. A goat, a sheep or a cow is sacrificed according to the laid down rules.
One third of the meat is retained for family, while another third is distributed among friends and relatives and the remaining one third is given in charity for the poor and the needy. People wear new clothes on this occasion. They offer their prayers in a gathering in an open area called Eidgah or a mosque.
People engage in animal sacrifice, performed duly in tune with the religious laws. Muslims make it a point to see that everybody becomes a part of the Id feast. They chant Takbir loudly before and after offering their Id prayers; the sacrifice is made and distribution of meat takes place. The sacrificed animal needs to meet some age and quality standards as otherwise the animal would be considered inappropriate for sacrifice.