Bakrid 2018- History Of The Festival Of Sacrifice

Bakrid is one of the most popular festivals celebrated by the Muslims all over the world where it is known as Eid-Al-Adha. It commemorates the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was ready to sacrifice his first born on God's command, and later sacrificed a sheep as per God's instructions. Animals like goat, sheep, cow or camel are sacrificed on this day. It is a day of feasting and visiting with friends and family. The festival is celebrated after the Hajj pilgrimage.

The legend of Bakra Eid

The origin of the festival of Bakrid has been described in Islamic traditions. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was instructed by God to bring his Egyptian wife Hajar and his son Ishmael to the deserts of Saudi Arabia and to leave them there. By divine intervention, a well appeared here which helped Hajar and her son to survive. Later, Abraham returned here and preached the word of God.

In order to test him, God commanded him to sacrifice his only son Ishmael in repeated dreams. When Abraham asked Ishmael, he was ready to bow before the will of God. Satan tried to distract them, but Ishmael drove him away by throwing stones. Finally, when Abraham tried to cut his son's throat, he was spared by divine intervention and found a ram to have been sacrificed instead. To commemorate this day of sacrifice and the mercy of God, Bakrid is celebrated with sacrifice of animals.