Bakri-Id
Bakr-id, 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 'Eid 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.
History
The history of Eid-al-Adha / Bakrid dates back to the times of Ibrahim. On
the day of Bakrid, Muslims observe animal sacrifice to commemorate the
sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him). 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. Bakrid 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.
Celebrations And Rituals
Eid-al-Adha/ Bakrid holds animal sacrifice as one of the most significant
aspects in its celebration. In order to honor 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 Eid feast. They chant Takbir loudly before and after offering their
Eid prayers; the sacrifice is made and distribution of meat takes place. The
sacrificed animal needs to meet somecertain age and quality standards as
otherwise the animal would be considered inappropriate for sacrifice.
Commonly Celebrated
Bakri-Id, also known as Eid-al-Adha is extremely important to Muslims and
thus, they celebrate it with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is celebrated on
the 10th day of the 12th month, Dhu a-Hijjah. It occurs after the Hajj
pilgrimage, which is the fifth pillar of Islam, undertaken by the Muslims.
It is celebrated with ritualistic fervor in Andhra Pradesh and in
particular, the old city of Hyderabad.
Sources: festivals.indobase.com
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