Bakri-Id

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakrid is one of the most celebrated festivals among Muslims of India. The festival of sacrifice, when the Muslims of all over India sacrifice 'Bakra' (goat), is observed to commemorate the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim who was so devoted, faithful and obedient to God's will that he unhesitatingly agreed to sacrifice his only son Ismail at His behest. It is said that it was to test him that Allah asked him to sacrifice his son on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca. Ibrahim, moved by his paternal feelings and yet determined to follow Allah's instructions blindfolded himself before sacrificing his son and only removed the blindfold after performing the act. When he opened his eyes, he found his son alive and smiling to his great joy.

On the altar, a slaughtered lamb could be seen instead. The festival is to celebrate the strong faith of those devoted to Islam. It coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca and people offer prayers in mosques. The sacrificial meat is distributed after the Eid prayers to the family and friends. Special delicacies and sweets are prepared on the occasion. The festival is observed on the tenth day of the month Dhu'l Hijja, according to the Islamic calendar. According to the Quranic text, the sacrifice of Abraham marked the end of the human sacrifices for the Semitic race and that surrendering one's will and purpose completelt and unconditionally is the only sacrifice that Allah requires.