Significance Of Animal Sacrifice During Bakrid

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Bakrid is one of the two most major festivals in the religion of Islam and quite naturally, is associated with numerous customs and traditions. Amongst the many traditions followed during the time of Bakrid is animal sacrifice, a custom that has been prevalent ever since the festival began to be celebrated. In this article, we look at the significance of animal sacrifice in Islam. We take a look at a few facts about the festival of Bakrid and why animal sacrifice is one of the most important aspects of commemorating the festival.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ISLAM

Animal sacrifice was a prominent feature in not just the Islamic tradition but in certain sects of Hinduism as well. In this article, our focus is on the festival of Bakrid; so let us look at why animal sacrifice is prominent during the festival of Bakrid. Read on...

Every year, during the time of Eid al-Adha, about hundred of thousands of goats are sacrificed to mark the end of the annual pilgrimage every Muslim takes to Mecca. It is a custom in the Muslim religion to offer something in the form of charity during this auspicious time. Animal sacrifice is thus a means of demonstrating commitment and piety.

Animal sacrifice is thus used as a means to gain the favour of God by way of donating something in the form of charity. The Qur'an also mentions about the concept of animal sacrifice and says that " It is your piety that reaches God and not the flesh and blood of the sacrificed animals".

As the religion evolved, the will to please God and seek his favour only amplified. Also, the sacrifice is also done with a view to help the poor. One third of the sheep that is sacrificed is retained by the family, one third is given to relatives and friends and the remaining one third is reserved for the poor. These are the main aspects relevant to animal sacrifice that marks the end of Hajj in Islam.