Karimnagar: Bakrid, festival of faith, sacrifice

Karimnagar: Muslims across Karimnagar district on Monday offered special prayers at mosques on Bakrid, festival of sacrifice, with gaiety and religious fervour. Muslim societies along with Eidgah committees organised the festival prayers at various locations in Karimnagar city. The leaders of Muslim societies gave Bakrid message to the followers. They appealed the Muslims to live peacefully and harmoniously with people of other communities.

Speaking to The Hans India, a veterinary employee Md Yakub Khan said Bakrid is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son on Allah's command. 'According to the Islamic belief, Allah wanted to test Ibrahim and told 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 at the altar on Mount Mina near Mecca. When he removed his blindfold after the sacrifice, he saw his son standing in front of him.On the alter lay slaughtered a lamb.'It is in honor of this test of faith that Muslims around the world sacrifice animals on the occasion to show their faith in Allah, he added.

Soon after the morning prayers, thousands of devotees sacrificed goats and meat was donated to the poor in the spirit of sacrifice. The biggest crowds were seen at various mosques, Idgahs and locations where special arrangements were made for offering prayers and the people found greeting each other on the occasion.