One of the most important festive days of the Islamic calendar is Bakhri-Eid also known as Eid-Ul-Adha. More than a festive day it is one in which Muslims all over the world practice the sacred observance of a Sacrifice. The event is held on the last month of the lunar year Dhul-Hagg. This day commemorates the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his only son to the command of God. Religious texts say that god was so touched by his gesture of devotion that at the last moment before his knife put an end to his son’s life god mysteriously replaced his son at the altar with a goat. In accordance to that event, Muslims all over the world offer a sacrificial goat and celebrate this day with great religious fervor.

Muslims all over the world be it man, woman or child celebrate this day being dressed in new clothes and offer special prayers at a mosque nearby. People pray for peace and progress of Muslims everywhere. It is customary for people to greet one another after prayers at the mosque by saying “Eid Mubarak”. People also give and get gifts especially on this occasion and children receive a lot of warmth and affection from elders. On this occasion a lot of special delicacies are prepared for the family members as well as for guests who visit homes during this day.

Interestingly even the sacrifice of this day was meant to be divided into three equal parts. The sacrificial animal was to be divided into three parts that were meant for one’s own family, for friends and relatives and for the needy & poor. The day teaches Muslims the significance of a sacrifice and the religious duty and the importance of sharing-caring for one another. Believers in Allah live by the words of the Quran and make the sacrifice in his name too.

It is common to see the Muslims in many cities around the world congregate at a central location which could be the courtyard of a large mosque or even a large open ground. It is here that a religious master speaks out verses from the Quran letting the people know the importance of the words of Allah in the Quran and the benefits of the sacrifice to their society. In accordance people, after offering their special Eid prayers go back to their homes and begin the sacrificial process.  Once that is over it is time for festive fun and colorful mood to take over through the entire community. In present times even a large part of the non Muslim community participates in the festive occasion in many parts of the world.