Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore

Mangalore, Oct 16: Today, Muslims all over the world will celebrate the festival of sacrifice Eid al-Adha, also popular by the name Bakr-id.

This festival is marked as a sign of the ability Abraham to sacrifice his only son at God's command. As per the Islamic calender this feast falls on the tenth day of the twelfth month Dhu a-Hijjah which occurs soon after the Hajj pilgrimage.

On this day, goats are traditionally sacrificed as an offering. Muslims observe animal sacrifice to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.

As a test of his obedience Ibrahim dreamt that God commanded him to sacrifice a person close to his heart. Ismail,13 years old who was the only son was chosen as the sacrifice. But just before the sacrifice God relayed that Ibrahim had passed the test and he could sacrifice a lamb instead.

The faith of Ibrahim has been intensified and as a mark of respect the Hajj pilgrimage is performed by Muslims all over the world.

Depending on the situation an animal is offered as a sacrifice with all due religious rituals at the Muslim household. This is in turn divided into three portions to be given to the poor and needy, to friends and relatives and for the household.

On the day of the feast, new clothes are worn and prayers are offered at a mosque. Dua- a special prayer is said after which begins the greeting sessions.

Pics by Spoorthi Ullal: