Bakri-Id

Bakr-id (the tradition of sacrificing a goat or 'bakr' in Urdu. The word 'id' derived from the Arabic 'iwd' means 'festival'), to be rightly called Id-ul-Azha and Id-ul-Zuha ( zuha comes from 'uzhaiyya' which translates to 'sacrifice'), 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.

Idul-Adha is prescribed in the Quran -

 "That (is the command). And whoso magnifieth the offerings consecrated to Allah, it surely is from devotion of the hearts.

Therein are benefits for you for an appointed term; and afterward they are brought for sacrifice unto the ancient House.

And for every nation have We appointed a ritual, that they may mention the name of Allah over the beast of cattle that he hath given them for food; and your God is One God, therefore surrender unto Him. And give good tidings (Muhammad) to the humble.  

Whose hearts fear when Allah is mentioned, and the patient of whatever may befall them, and those who establish worship and who spend of that We have bestowed on them.  

And the camels! We have appointed them among the ceremonies of Allah. Therein ye have much good. So mention the name of Allah over them when they are drawn up in lines. Then when their flanks fall (dead), eat thereof and feed the beggar and the suppliant. Thus have We made them subject unto you, that haply ye may give thanks.  

Their flesh and their blood reach not Allah, but the devotion from you reacheth Him. Thus have We made them subject unto you that you may magnify Allah that He hath guided you. And give good tidings (0 Muhammad) to the good."'  

The above passage of the Koran has this foot-note of explanation :

 "The slaughter of animals for food for the poor which is one of the ceremonies of the Muslim pilgrimage is not a propitiatory sacrifice, but is in commemoration of the sacrifice of Abraham which marked the end of human sacrifices for the Semitic race, and which made it clear that the only sacrifice which God requires of man is the surrender of his will and purpose - i.e. Al-Islam." 

The sacrifice offered on the day of Idul-Adha has been instituted in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to offer up his only son Ishmael. The sacrificial offering is divided into three portions, one being set apart for household consumption, another for friends and relatives and the third for the poor and needy. The distribution of the offering enjoined by the holy Law is designed to provide a substantial meal to the poor on this festive occasion. 

The animal sacrifice can be offered on the first day of the festival or any time later till the afternoon of the third day following it. For four days on this occasion, i.e., from the morning of the ninth to the afternoon prayer of the fourteenth of Dhu'l Hijja, special praise and glory to God is recited after every prayer. The formula is this : 

Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great!

None is worthy of being worshipped except Allah!

Allah is Most Great! Allah is Most Great! Allah is Most

Great! All praise is for Allah alone!"

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.