EID-UL-ADHA OR BAKRID
Eid-ul-Adha, Eid-ul-Zuha or Bakrid is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul-hijja, the twelfth month in the Muslim calendar. The Id-ul-Azha commemorates the ordeal of Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded at his ripe old age by Allah to sacrifice his only son Ismail, who was dearest to him. Prophet Ibrahim decided to sacrifice the life of his son Ismail in deference to the wishes of Allah. He called Ismail and mentioned to him about his decision. Ismail dutifully agreed to be sacrificed to please Allah. Prophet Ibrahim then blindfolded Ismail and cut off his son's head, only to discover on opening his eyes, that his son was alive and a ram had been sacrificed instead. Since then, a ram or bakra is sacrificed in the name of Allah. The sacrificial meat is distributed and partaken of after the Eid prayers. The Eid is also the time when many Muslims undertake the pilgrimage of Haj to Makkah. The specific day of the Eid marks the culmination of the Haj rituals at the Mina valley, located about 6 Kms from Makkah.
