Muslim Fraternity Celebrates Bakrid – ‘Symbol of Supreme Sacrifice’
Mangaluru: The Muslim fraternity offered prayers at mosques and specially erected prayer centres across the city and suburbs on the occasion of Bakrid (Eid Al Adha). Muslims offered Eid prayers at various mosques and large congregations were found at the Idgah over the Light House Hill, here on September 12.
Bakrid (Eid Al Adha) is a festival of supreme sacrifice and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail on God’s command.
According to the belief of Muslims, the sacrifice was a test of Ibrahim’s faith and Allah commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son. Without a second thought Ibrahim agreed to do it although it was a difficult task. He blindfolded himself before putting Ismail on the altar at the mount of Mina near Makkah.
After performing the act, he removed his blindfold and at that time, he saw his son standing in front of him, alive and instead of his son, he saw a slaughtered lamb on the altar. To commemorate this incident, the Muslim brethren sacrifice goats on Bakr-Eid. This sacrifice by Ibrahim speaks the true spirit of sacrifice of Muslims. The same spirit has been continued and we can find it in the celebration of Bakrid. Prophet Mohammad in his message had stated that neither the flesh nor blood or any other material will reach God in the heavens; what reaches him is love, faith and the spirit of sacrifice.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed who had come to offer prayer at the Idgah said, “The Muslim fraternity, after the Namaz at their homes, perform the sacrifice which is usually a goat or a sheep. As per the spirit of Bakrid, the portion of sacrificed animal will have to be divided. One portion will be used by the person who sacrifices it, the second portion is for relatives and friends, and the third portion will be mandatorily distributed among the poor people in the community.”
Addressing the gathering minister for food and civil supplies. U T Khader said, “Today we are celebrating the festival of Sacrifice. Bakrid is the festival of sacrifice, patience, harmony, unity and love. Let all the people in the district live in peace, harmony and brotherhood. The message of every festival is peace and harmony and we have to instill the spirit of sacrifice within us to lead a peaceful life and let others live in peace and harmony.
Chief whip of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Ivan D’Souza speaking on the occasion said, “We celebrate Bakrid which has proved that through sacrifice and brotherhood we can win the hearts of the people in the world. During the Bakrid festival, Muslim brethren can win the people in the world through sacrifice. In Mangaluru, the Muslim community on the Bakrid festival gives the message of peace, harmony, brotherhood and unity by inviting people to celebrate the festival from all walks of life . Let us all forget the differences and lead a peaceful life with unity and brotherhood. “
MLA J R Lobo speaking on the occasion said that Bakrid, is also called as the festival of sacrifice, that brings peace and harmony in the society. He wished all the Muslim brethren a very happy Bakrid. If we see the guests on the dais, we can see unity in diversity. Guests from all walks of life are here, when we live in unity, there is peace. Where there is peace and unity, there will be development. Let us all live in peace and harmony. In Mangaluru we have a history that people from all walks of life live together in peace and harmony and Mangaluru is a model city in the country. Let us all continue to live in peace and unity and respect other religions. Let the Eid message spread around.
Prof M V Puranik said, “Bakrid is the festival of sacrifice, brotherhood, and harmony. We are all one and created by one God. God has created this beautiful world and it is our duty to make this world a better place to live in. Hindus, Christians and Muslims are the creation of one God. We need to think about it and try hard to bring back peace, harmony and brotherhood in our country so that in the coming days we can live in harmony and brotherhood and make this world a better place to live in. Let the Almighty God bless us all and make us the channels to bring peace and brotherhood. This festival is not only for the Muslim brethren but it is for the entire people in the society.”
Police commissioner Chandra Sekhar said, “Bakrid is the festival of Sacrifice. In Upanishad, there are two qualities which are dearer to God they are Sacrifice and gratitude. For the greater good of the society, Prophet Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his own son to God. But in the present society, we are thinking about our own and we have the attitude of, I, Me, Myself. We think only about us and our family. We should always celebrate the acts of sacrifice. Our police personnel sacrifice a lot, since from yesterday night they are performing their duty without a break. We need to highlight the sacrifice which our brothers do. I wish all the people in the district a very happy feast”.
Mayor Harinath, Fr Pradeep and ADC Kumar also spoke on the occasion. Chancellor of Yenepoya University Abdullah Kunhi, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, B A Moideen, Fr Melwyn, Fr Francis Almieda, corporator Naveen D’Souza and others were also present.
Mangalorean.com wishes the Muslim Fraternity, a happy Bakrid and hopes that the feast brings harmony and joy to the Muslim brethren all around the world.
