Festivals  » Muslim Festivals  » Bakrid

Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid )

This Muslim festival of sacrifice, Id-ul-Zuha (Arabic) / Eid al-Adha or Bakrid in India is celebrated all over the country, as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham''s willingness to sacrifice everything for God. On this day, Muslims sacrifice a goat or Bakr (Urdu) to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his own son at the behest of God. 

According to Islamic belief, to test Ibrahim's faith, Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail. He agreed to do it but found his paternal feelings hard to suppress. So he blind - folded himself before putting Ismail on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca. When he removed his bandage after performing the act, he saw his son standing in front of him, alive. On the altar lay a slaughtered lamb. This festival coincides with the end of the annual Haj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. 

Prayers are offered in the mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed after the Id prayers. Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion.

Bakrid is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic or lunar calendar. The festival is an occasion of joy and peace, where people celebrate with their families, let go of past grudges and make meaningful connections with one another. For Muslims, Sacrifice is not just about the sacrifice of an animal; in essence, it means sacrificing their vices for their own sake, they believe in the sacrifice of all bad qualities within oneself and bringing forth one''s goodness.