Bakrid worldwide

There are various festivals in the Muslim calendar. But Bakriid or Id-ul-Zuha is one of the most celebrated festivals among Muslims all over the world. It is a day of sacrifice for the Muslims. According to legends. It all started with a dream in which Allah directed the patriarch Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail. It was Ibrahim's faith in Allah and his son's faith in his father that were on test. Before performing the sacrifice Ismail tied a cloth around his father's eyes. But when Ibrahim opened his eyes he found his son safe and sound. In his place lay a dead dumba or ram. It is in honour of this test of faith that Muslims around the world sacrifice an animal on the occasion of Id-ul-azha to show their allegiance, faith and sincerity towards Allah. In India the Muslims mainly sacrifice the goat, which is why the occasion is spoken of in Urdu as Bakhr or Bakri-Id. The festival is to celebrate the strong faith of those devoted to Islam.The festival coincides with the anniversary of the day when 'Quran' was declared complete. It is from when many Muslims undertake Haj to Mecca and people offer prayers in mosques. On the day of Id, the pilgrims reach the grounds of Mina where they sacrifice an animal each. It was here that Ibrahim is believed to have sacrificed his son. The pilgrims then shave their heads. The purpose is to be one with the millions of devotees who converge to Mecca each year for the Haj. The sacrificial meat is distributed after the ceremony among friends and family members. Special delicacies and sweets are prepared on the occasion. The celebration of Bakri Id starts from the tenth to the twelfth day in the Islamic month of Dhu'l Hijja. On the Id day people wear new clothes, offer prayers, and visit each other and exchange greetings. There are special prayers, which take places on the three days of Id. Ceremonial prayers Bakrid is celebrated with ritualistic fervour in Andhra Pradesh and in particular, the old city of Hyderabad. Bakrid is an important festival of Muslims falling in the last month of Islamic Calendar. It is also called as Id-Ul-Zuha, which coincides with the Haj pilgrimage at Mecca. The significance of the festival is the commemoration of the ordeals of Prophet Ibrahim.
The SignificanceSignificance of Id-Ul-Zuha or Bakrid lies in the offering of an animal in celebration of the festival Bakrid. As per the doctrine of Islam, sacrifice of animals signifies the sacrifice of the follower himself and his readiness to lay down his life, his interests and desires in the cause of the truth.The LegendAccording to popular belief, Prophet Ibrahim was put to a tough test by Allah to prove his faith. He was asked to sacrifice his son Ismail and without any hesitation Prophet Ibrahim blindfolded himself and made the offering on the Mount of Mina near Mecca. When Prophet Ibrahim opened his eyes, he was astonished to find a goat lying upon the altar and his son Ismail standing in front of him. Ever since, followers of Islam all over the world offer sacrifices on the festival day.On this day devout Muslims of all ages offer special prayers at mosques in themorning. Muslims sacrifice an animal - a goat or s

heep, divide the meat into three portions and distribute it among poor, friends and relatives and whatever remains is for the family., and feasts are part of this festival.The celebration is conducted in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to kill his only son Ismail by the command of God. When he was about to kill his son, God send a goat inside of killing him. As a remembrance of this act Muslims sacrifices a goat or Bakr (Urdu). As per the Islamic belief, Ibrahim took his son to Mount Mina to perform this act. God was testing his faith and found Ibrahim to be trust worthy. Since the incident took place in Mount Mina near Mecca, a lot of people from Kerala flock to this place known for Haj Pilgrimage. All over Kerala on this day, is echoed with the declaration of Muslims- Allahu Akbar that means God is Great. All Muslims rise up in the morning with a great festive mood and reciting the same. They celebrate their day in the morning by gathering in the mosques where the Imam recites prayers and gives talks on how to go on with the commandments of God and lead a holy life like Ibrahim. In all Muslim homes of Kerala, people celebrate the fete with great enthusiasm preparing mouth-watering meals, offerings greetings, paying visits to the dear and near ones, engage themselves in dancing and singing and more. Promoting brotherhood and affection to the fellow people and thereby showing the gratitude towards God that is what all Muslim celebrations bring about.