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Hello All,

I wish you and your family, friends, near and dear........

A very happy, serene and holy Bakriid day wishes (28/11/09).

Bakriid or Id-ul-Zuha/Id-ul-Adha is one of the most celebrated festivals among Muslims all over the world. It is a day of sacrifice for the Muslims. The festival of sacrifice, when the Muslims of all over, sacrifice 'Bakri' (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 the behest of God.

Id-ul-Adha means 'Festival of Sacrifice' or 'Greater Eid', a holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. It annually falls on the tenth (10th) day of the month 'Dhu-al-Hijjah' of the lunar Islamic calendar. The festivities last for three days or more depending on the country/region of observance. It occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. It is the latter of two Eid/Id festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from the Quran. Like Eid al-Fitr (Ramzan/Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Bakrid/Bakriid) begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon and with observances such as prayers, sacrificing a goat, sheep, cow or a camel and gifting to acquaintance and poor people.

According to legends, it all started with a dream in which Allah directed the patriarch Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail. 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 was seen instead. It was Ibrahim's faith in God/Allah and his son's faith in his father that were on test. The festival is to celebrate the strong faith of those devoted to Islam.

The festival coincides with the anniversary of the day when 'Quran' (the Holy book of Islam) was declared complete. It is from when many Muslims undertake Haj pilgrimage to Mecca and people offer prayers in mosques. On the day of Id, the pilgrims reach the grounds of Mina where they offer special prayers. Special delicacies and sweets are prepared on the occasion and are distributed after the Eid prayers to the family and friends. According to the Quranic text, the sacrifice of Abraham marked the end of the human sacrifices for the Semitic (Arabic) race and that surrendering one's will and purpose completely and unconditionally is the only sacrifice that Allah requires.

Eid Mubarak…….

Many many happy returns of the day.

All the best and take care….

With thanks, regards and best wishes,
G.Srikanth.