Eid al-Adha is one of the few religious festivals among Muslims, also referred to as Bakra Eid. It can be performed on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the twelfth and the last month of the Islamic Calendar. As we proceed further we will discuss the importance, culture, and festivities preceding this wonderful moment.
The Meaning and Significance of Sacrifice
Origins: The celebrations of Bakra Eid can be dated back to a narrative of the Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham as many would refer to him. In Sharīʿah, the Islamic sacred law based on the Qur’an, the Islamic scripture, the story of the patriarch Ibrahim is narrated as follows: Allah (God) put Ibrahim to the test by commanding him to sacrifice his son. Ibrahim was going to slaughter his son as directed by Allah but when Ibrahim raised the knife to complete the act, Allah provided him with a ram to sacrifice instead to show that what was wanted from Ibrahim was his obedience to the commands of Allah. Such acts of sacrifice showcase faith, trust, and a heart that obeys what God has in stock for an individual.
Obedience to Allah: The story continues from the fact that Ibrahim is ready to sacrifice his son whom he loves most as a testimony to the complete submission and obedience to the divine will, in the context of the Muslim spirit that encompasses the true essence of its followers during the Bakra Eid celebration and more so the act of sacrifice, Muslims are encouraged, once again, to submit and have complete and unswerving reliance on Allah.
Welfare of Others
Lessons of Sacrifice: With all the festivities observed in Bakra Eid it is time for people to reflect on the principles of sacrifice learned from the story of Prophet Ibrahim. This is again to beseech the Muslims to live a life of sacrifice, surrendering their selves and otherworldly things for the pleasure of Allah and the welfare of others.
Trust and Faith: Kaleem’s command over the Quran speaks volumes about the prophet Ibrahim who had his faith in Allah only and was also ready to sacrifice his son for Allah’s pleasure. The story of Bakra Eid also seeks to eliminate doubt that nothing occurs without the will of Allah and that even if something seems hard to comprehend in the heart, then one should put his or her trust in Allah.
Gratitude and Remembrance: Sacrifice on the occasion of Bakra Eid is to give thanks to Allah Almighty for the various blessings showered on us in various aspects of life. In following this tradition, Muslims offer their sacrifices in the form of an animal which is mainly a sheep, goat, or even a cow, and then share the meat with their families, friends, and the poor. This practice makes them aware of their fate as having been given provisions to help them and also be kind to those who are needy.
Celebrations Across the Globe
Preparation: Before the eve of Bakra Eid, people buy animals to offer them as sacrifices for the Eid. This is to make sure that the animals are healthy and fit to be slaughtered to meet the religious standards of the event.
More things
Prayers and Sermons: On the Bakra Eid day, Muslims perform namaz along with other special prayers either in the local mosque or on the grounds. Shouting during the time of offering the weekly Friday khutbah of the congregational prayers stresses the high values of sacrifice, faith, and thankfulness.
Sacrifice Ritual: In continuation of the prayers, the families do the eating part and they slaughter the chosen animal. The meat is divided into three parts: This they divided into one-third for their own family, one-third for their relatives and friends, and one-third for the needy.
Feasting and Sharing: In different cultures families who participate in this event can take festive meals together after the sacrifice. The sacrificial meat is prepared as traditional dishes which are distributed to various groups, the elderly and orphans, etc supporting the noble values of sharing.
Acts of Charity: Bakra Eid as a festival allows people to spend money on acts of giving back to society. Some Muslims also prepare fidyah which they contribute to preparing food for the less privileged to break Ramadan fast during the festival.
Visiting Relatives: People invite their families, friends, and relatives to come over to greet and foster kinship. It is a time for healing, repairing, renewing, and nurturing love in a family, in a group, in a community, in a nation.
Trust
As you enjoy the meat of the animals that were sacrificed, let the true meaning of Bakra Eid not be lost on you – it is the act of submission, obedience, reliance, and thanksgiving. It is quite encouraging to see Islamic brethren joining the celebrations of this auspicious day and reflecting on the basic teachings of Prophet Ibrahim and his complete trust and compliance with the Almighty Lord.