Like any other festivals of other communities in India and across the globe, all Muslims residing in India and abroad celebrate their festivals with great zeal and fervor. Ramadan and Bakri Eid or Eid Al-Adha hold a special place in the hearts of the Muslim community throughout the world and Indian Muslims are no exception to this zealous sentiment.
This pious and holy day is also known as Feast of Sacrifice is celebrated across the globe by the faithful as per the lunar Islamic Calendar, much like rest of the important Muslim festivals, which include Ramadan and Eid-Ul-Fitr.
Bakrid is celebrated to commemorate the faith, devotion and spirit to sacrifice one’s all to serve and follow the Almighty God.
During the festivities of Bakrid, which is celebrated joyously, from the 10th to the 12th day of the twelfth month of Dhul Hijjah as per the holy Islamic calendar, the markets, streets and people dawn celebratory vibrancy that lasts throughout the three days of festivities.
History and Significance
As per the Islamic traditions when Abraham, one of the most faithful believers of Allah was 99 years old and his only son Ismail had turned 13 years of age, God decided to test the faith of both father as well as son. Thus, so happened that Abraham began to have a reoccurring dream, in which he felt that the almighty was directing him to sacrifice his only son.
It is indeed quite unimaginable for a parent to kill his own child; however, for Abraham this was even more difficult, since he considered the birth of a child at such an old age, a miracle and answer to his prayers by God himself.
But Abraham was a prophet and thus, was aware that his dream was the direct commandment from the almighty, therefore he hardened his heart and presented the case to his son. Ismail did not show even a least bit of hesitation, at his father’s intentions to slaughter him and agreed readily.
Thereafter, Abraham laid his son on an altar and began to slit his throat but when he looked down, he was astonished to find a dead ram instead. His son, stood safe and sound in front of him. Abraham had passed the test of devotion and as a favor God blessed him with another son, whom he named Is-haaq (Isaac). The Islamic tradition of Hajj pilgrimage is based on the life and trials of the devout Abraham and his entire family. Thus, Bakrid or Eid al-Adha came to be celebrated among Muslims as a day to commemorate the willingness of a devoted follower to sacrifice not just his life but that of his near and dear ones as well.
On this day Muslims offer an animal sacrifice to God. The meat of this sacrifice is divided into three portions; one section of it is gifted to relatives and neighbors. Whereas another is distributed among the needy and rest of the portion is kept for the family’s consumption.
During the Eid celebrations offering prayers is a must for all except for genuinely sick, menstruating women and travelers. Throughout the period of celebrations on can see large gatherings of people at mosques, dressed in their finest of clothed attending prayer meeting across India.
Thus, Eid al-Adha is indeed one of the most significant and joyous festival, that teaches all to have an undying as well as unquestioning faith in the benevolence and infinite wisdom of God, just like Abraham and his son Ismail.
WISHING ALL THE “KANNADIGAWORLD READERS ESPECIALLY MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS BAKRI EID”
Shekar Moily
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