“Eid Mubarak” is the enthusiastic greeting that you will hear in abundance on two occasions- The festivals of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. These festivals are celebrated by Muslims worldwide with great zeal. Eid means “Feast” and Mubarak means “Blessed”. People celebrate Eid al-Fitr after Ramadan and Eid al-Adha (Also known as Bakri Eid) in the month of Dhul Hijjah which is the 12th Islamic month. Bakri Eid falls on 12th August this year and there is a public holiday on account of Eid all over India. Many Businesses owned by Muslims are closed on this day or have reduced hours.
Origin of the Festival
Abraham, known as Ibrahim in Arabic is the prophet in Islam. It is said that once Ibrahim had a dream in which Allah (God) told him to sacrifice his son Ismail whom he loved dearly. Ibrahim thought that the devil was playing tricks with his mind and let it slide. However, the same dream reoccurred in Ibrahim’s mind and he was convinced that this was Allah’s message for him and that Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son.
He loved his son a lot but at the same time wanted to obey the wishes of Allah. He decided to act upon God’s will and took his son to the top of Mount Arafat. He brought a knife and rope along with him. When he told his son Ismail the truth, Ismail understood and asked his father to tie him up so that he wouldn’t struggle and to blindfold his father so that Ibrahim would not have to see him suffer.
Ibrahim did as Ismail told him and he followed Allah’s wishes. When he removed his blindfold there was a dead ram in the place of Ismail and a voice that said Allah looks after his followers and that he doesn’t have to worry. The ram was cut in 3 portions. 1/3rd portion was given to the poor, 1/3rd to friends and family and the left portion for his own family. It was a difficult test which Ibrahim and Ismail passed with flying colours.
Customs
Since then, to honour the sacrifice Ibrahim made Muslims all over the world celebrate Bakri Eid. Typically, a few days before Bakri Eid, people are supposed to keep a sheep or a lamb, raise it, feed it and take care of it. On Bakri Eid, they are supposed to sacrifice the animal which is also known as making the ‘Qurbani’. Just before slitting the animal’s neck, the Maulana says some duas which are prayers of supplication or request.
In recent times, everyone is not able to keep a lamb. In such cases, you can claim a portion of a lamb that has been taken care of by another person. In this age of technological innovations, A “Bakra App” has been created which brings independent lamb/sheep sellers and buyers on the same platform.
This app also provides the ‘Qurbani service’ wherein they perform the Qurbani in compliance with Islamic rules and the meat which is divided into three portions will be delivered to the place chosen by the buyer. It makes Performing Qurbani very easy for everyone.
The men of the family go to the Masjid in the morning to offer Namaz. People greet each other and wear new clothes. Delicacies such as Biryani and Sheer Korma are cooked in almost every household.
How is it celebrated?
Each year, during the month of Dhul Hijjah (Last month of the Islamic calendar), many Muslims from all over the world flock to Makkah. In this month, the pilgrims remember the sacrifice that their Prophet Ibrahim made and try to instil the quality of obedience and faith in themselves. They go to Makkah, Mina, and Arafat- the places where Ibrahim and Ismail preached and lived.
All over the world Muslims go to mosques and spread joy by greeting and hugging each other. The customs do not change and the rules to be followed for the sacrifice are the same too.
Bakri Eid celebrates the faith of the believers in Allah and is an honour to their Prophet. It helps believers realize the importance of the qualities of obedience and sacrifice in life. Eid is a joyous occasion where not only Muslims but also people from all religions get together with the Muslims come together and celebrate. Such is the secularity of India.
- Sunidhi Shende
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