Bakrid

Bakrid

Bakrid is celebrated to commemorate the great religious leader Prophet Ibrahim’s unmatched faith and obedience to Allah. According to Islamic belief, Allah once decided to test Prophet Ibrahim. One night while Prophet Ibrahim was asleep, he had a strange dream. In his dream, an angel came to him and said, “O Ibrahim, you have to sacrifice your beloved son. And that is Allah's order.”

Prophet Ibrahim woke up with a start. At first, he became sad at the thought of sacrificing his only son, Ismail. But then he reconciled, thinking that it was a supreme order given by Allah. ‘No matter how sorrowful it is, but I have to obey Him!’ he mused. So Ibrahim called his son and told him all that had happened. “Sacrifice me, father. Don’t hesitate!” said Ismail, with a smile on his face. “If Allah has ordered it, then you must obey. Do not fear! By the grace of Allah, I shall be sanctified.”

The prophet was amazed at his son's pious nature and confidence in Allah. So, he prepared to kill his son. Being a father, Prophet Ibrahim knew that he would not be able to suppress his feelings, so he blindfolded himself before putting Ismail’s head on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca. With a heavy heart, the prophet raised his sword. And just as he was about to chop off his son's head, a voice called out to him. “Stop there! Wait, O noble one!” said the voice. “You have shown your good intentions, and this is sufficient. You have already fulfilled Allah's will.”

Prophet Ibrahim realised that it was the divine voice. “All this was just to test your faith in Allah, and to see whether you obey him or not,” said the voice. Prophet Ibrahim, at once removed his blindfold. When he opened his eyes, he was astonished to find his son Ismail standing in front of him, alive and safe. Instead, a goat was lying upon the altar.

The prophet was overwhelmed. He and his son thanked Allah. Since then, it has become a festival of sacrifice. It falls on the 10th day of the month Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the lunar year. The followers of Islam all over the world celebrate it as Bakrid. 'Bakr' in Urdu means 'goat'. This festival is also known as Id-ul-Adha or Id-ul- Zuha.

The day starts with the resounding of Thakbir (Allahu Akbar). It is the declaration that God is great. There is a festive mood in every Muslim house. People wake up with a spirit of sacrifice and the feeling of submission to Allah. Men, women and children wear new dresses. They visit mosques and offer their morning prayers. At many places, there are special arrangements for 'Eidgah1, which is a wide open area meant for public prayers.

After the prayer, people hug each other, saying ‘Id Mubarak'. This is the traditional way to begin the celebration of the festival. It expresses affection and brotherhood among the people. The ritual of exchanging greetings is followed by the offering of sacrifice to Allah. People usually sacrifice a goat, a sheep or a camel. The sacrificial meat is then divided into three equal parts. First part is distributed among the poor, and the second among the friends and relatives.

The remaining third part is for the family.

Women folk prepare special delicacies. The whole family sits together and enjoys food and fun. It is a day for feasting, visiting friends and exchanging gifts.

Throughout the country, this festival is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety. Many people like to go on Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). It is said that Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail built the Kaaba in Mecca. “O Allah, take this house in Your grace and help us and the people who come to us to be truly good Muslims!” both of them prayed. Allah heard their prayer, and blessed the Kaaba and the town of Mecca. Even to this day, Muslims ail over the world face towards the Kaaba while praying. It is the oldest prayer house of Allah on the earth.

On the occasion of Bakrid, pilgrims young and old, rich and poor, throng the town of Mecca. It is indeed a day to rejoice, and a ceremony to pray together for peace and prosperity around the world.