why bakrid is celebrated

KANPUR: The goat, sheep, camel and buffalo market across the city witnessed a huge rush on the eve of Eid-ul-Zuha, despite the rise in prices. City folks, particularly Muslims thronged the places in huge number.

The live-stock market buzzing with activities were Jajmau, Rajbi road, Nai-Sadak, Baqaramandi and Babupurwa. Eid-ul-Zuha, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, is one of the most important festivals for the Muslims.

According to Islamic belief, to test Prophet Ibrahim, Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail. He agreed to do it but found his paternal feelings hard to suppress. So he blindfolded himself before putting Ismail on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca.

When he removed his bandage after performing the act, he saw his son standing in front of him, alive. On the altar lay a slaughtered lamb. This symbolises devotion to Allah and his desires.

Joyous festivities and somber rituals mark this event. The sacrificial meat is then distributed and partaken of after the Id prayers.

Eid al-Zuha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic calendar.

Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id), is a festival of special prayers and exchange of greetings and gifts mark this festival of Muslims. Id-ul-Zuha, the festival of sacrifice is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety all over the world.

It is called Id-ul-Zuha in Arabic and Bakr-Id in the Indian subcontinent, because of the tradition of sacrificing a goat or 'bakr' in Urdu. The word 'id' derived from the Arabic 'iwd' means 'festival' and zuha comes from 'uzhaiyya' which translates to 'sacrifice'.

The festival also marks the completion of Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia).