Eid-al-Adha/Bakrid-Why Muslims Celebrate?

Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 17:36

Eid-al-Adha is one of the important festivals of the Muslims. It means, the 'Festival of Sacrifice', remembering Ibrahim's spirit of sacrifice, conforming to the command of Allah. 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.

History

To take a peep into history, will reveal the truth as to why Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha/Bakrid.
The history of Eid-al-Adha/Bakrid dates back to the times of Ibrahim. Ibrahim was commanded by God, through recurring dreams, to sacrifice his only son, begotten after rigorous worship.

Ismail, son of Ibrahim was just, 13 years old when, Ibrahim revealed to him about God's command. To his surprise, the boy readily agreed to be sacrificed. Just when, Ibrahim was about to sacrifice the boy, Allah voiced that he need not have to 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.

Animal sacrifice

Animal sacrifice is one of the significant aspects in the celebration of Eid-al-Adha/Bakrid. Why do Muslims undertake it while they celebrate the festival ?

Muslims undertake animal sacrifice, to commemorate the event of Ibrahim's attempt to sacrifice his son, in order to conform to Allah's command, and Allah's mercy in substituting a ram 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, another third is distributed among friends and relatives and the remaining one third is given in charity for the poor and the needy.

Celebrating Ed-al-Adha/Bakrid

People celebrate Ed-al-Adha/Bakrid wearing new clothes. They offer Eid prayer, (Salat al-Eid) in a congregation in an open area called Eidgah or a mosque. People engage in animal sacrifice, performed duly in tune with the religious laws.

Muslims also engage in charitable acts and see to it that no one is unable to partake of an Eid feast, owing to impoverishment.

During the festival of Eid-al-Adha, chanting of Takbir loudly before the Eid prayer on the first day and after the Eid prayer on the second and the third day, distributing meat etc form some of the important aspects of the festival.

So let us get an insight into as to why Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha/Bakrid, while the country celebrates it.