Muslims celebrate two Eids as their major festivals. One is Eid-Ul-Fitra and other is Eid-Ul-Zuha( also called Bakrid festival). But out of the two, Eid-Ul-Zuha has somewhat more charm and importance between them. This is known from different names all over the world according as locality. For example, it is reffered as Eid-Ul-Adha in Arabic countries, Eid-Ul-Kabir in Yaman, Seiria and North African countries. In India, it is known as Bakrid or Kurbani.
This is a celebration of three days. It starts on the 10th of Dhu-al-Hijjah (the last month of Arabian calendar) and continues to 13th of that. Also Muslim pilgrimage go to Mecca on Hajj in this holy month. Notably, this festival includes slaughters of animals. Muslims perform Namaj & Duaa (pray for Allah) and distributes happiness among all. This festival reminds unquestioning faith in benevolence and sacrifice of their prophet (messenger of God) Ibrahim along with his son Ismaail.
History and Origin of Bakrid Festival
There are many categories in Muslims like Shiya, Sunni etc. Therefore it may be different believes behind its celebration. But the most believable is related to prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismaail. God (Allah) wanted to appoint Ibrahim as his messenger so incredibility, devotion and maturity was needed for Ibrahim. For this purpose God decided to examine him. God came into Ibrahim ‘s dream and ordered to sacrifice his only son named Ismaail. At that time Ibrahim was 99 years old and his son(Ismaail) was thirteen. Ibrahim was blessed with a son in old age as an outcome of vast and continuous praying. Hence God`s order was shocking for him but he did not retreat and stuck to God ‘s order.
He put the matter before his son. And Ismaail accepted without any hesitation. He had no fear of being sacrificed and encouraged his father to obey God’ s commandment. Both went for predetermined purpose at a certain place. In way devil(saitan) tried to deviate him but did not succeed. Ibrahim drove the devil away and threw pebbles(stones) on him. Ibrahim made his son lay down and began to slit son‘s throat. Sudden a voice came to Ibrahim from God that you passed the test and there was a ram (whose throat was cut) instead of his son. Having pleased with Ibrahim God blessed him other son who was named Ishaq(Issac) later. Muslims commemorate Ibrahim `s and Ismaail` s high willingness and devotion to God as Eid-Ul –Zuha/Bakrid festival.
Celebration Of Eid-Ul-Zuha/ Id-UL-Adha
This festival is celebrated in Muslim countries over the the world with a great zealous and happiness. On this great day they get up early in the morning and become ready . All wear new cloths as their best. There is a great zest among children. Elders give some money and gifts to children as a token of love. All gents(man) and children go to Idgaah or Masjid(mosque) for offering Namaz. Idgah is a place where a gathering of Muslim community is held on several occasions .
They perform Namaz after sunrise. Namaz is followed by Khutba. Muslim women do not go Idgaah but offer Namaz at theirs homes. After having two Raquat (unit) Namaz at Idgaah they come back to their homes. The rich perform slaughter of animals like he-goat, camel, ram etc called Qurbani(Arabic word). The meat of slaughtered animal is divided into three parts. They keep one part for their own, another part for relatives and friends and one part is distributed among the poor and needy. People invite their relatives, aquaintives & friends and make them serve many testy dishes and enjoy. Slaughter of animals is performed three days. All told , Id-Ul-Zuha is a festival of great joy.
Date Variation Of Bakrid Festival
It is interesting that the celebration date drifts 11 days every year according to Gregorian calendar(worldwide). While Eid al-Adha is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date according to the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar is solar calendar. The lunar calendar is approximately eleven days shorter than the solar calendar. Each year, Eid al-Adha (like other Islamic holidays) falls on different Gregorian dates in different parts of the world, because the boundary of crescent visibility is different from the International Date Line . In many countries, the start of any lunar Hijari month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality.
Learning & Importance
Bakrid Festival or Eid-al-Adha holds a special place in the hearts of Muslim community throughout the world. This festival is also known as ‘ Feast of the Sacrifice’ when translated into English. This joyous day also makes us learn a true devotion and worship. It is a festival of brotherhood and unity. It gives us energy and activeness on the path of religion. This day also corresponds with the anniversary of the completion of the Quran(Muslim ‘s religious book). Some references say that 10 millions animals are slaughtered(kill) in two days on this occasion .
