KATHMANDU, Oct 16 : The Muslim community across the country on Wednesday celebrated Bakar-Eid -- the festival of sacrifice (also known as Eid al-Azah) -- the second of their two big festivals. Eid al-Azah falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
“The day of Eid al-Azah begins with two Rakat, the units of namaz read at a mosque. During this namaz, Muslims remind themselves of their duty toward humanity, proclaim the glory of God, and pledge to follow the life of the Prophet,” said Sannaulah Nadvi, the Imam at Nepali Jame Mosque, Kathmandu. [break]
Nadvi further said that in Nepal the Muslim community sacrificed goat and buffalo in the name of the God. “However, in other parts of the world, the Muslim devotees offer sheep and other animals,” he added.
The two units of namaz observed in the Mosque are very much like other prayers. “The only difference is that in this namaz the “takbir” is recited six times. Takbir means ´God is great.´ The true significance of this takbir is that ´God is great, and I am not great. So the essence of takbir is modesty,” said Nadvi.
Then, at the end of namaz, the believers say: “Peace be upon you, peace be upon you.” “Thus they pledge to live peacefully in society, eschew all kinds of violence, and adopt a lifestyle which does no harm to others.” Nadvi maintained that the Imams deliver special religious speeches in line with Quran during Eid-ul-fitr and Bakar-Eid.
“Muslims are required to recite takbir on their way to the mosque and while returning from the mosque to their homes. Takbir (God is great) proclaims the greatness of God and reminds that we have to live with modesty in this world,” he further added.
“The second most important activity is animal sacrifice. The festival of Eid al-Azah is an annual re-enactment of Prophet Ibrahim´s actions. But its spirit must be kept up the whole year round in all the actions of Muslims, both men and women,” said Abdullah Miyan, a Muslim journalist.
Sacrifice is the adoption of a higher level of living. “When one endeavors to live above one´s material needs, and controls one´s desires for the sake of a greater cause, this makes a sacrifice. Sacrifice means living for ideals rather than for the worldly pleasures of life. The devotees faithfully slaughter animals. They give part of the meat to the poor and usually tuck into a lavish family dinner with the rest. The festival lasting three days is an occasion for family celebration with parents often buying new clothes and gifts for their children,” added Miyan.
“If physical sacrifice is for one day, spiritual or intellectual sacrifice continues for the rest of the year. In ritual sense, Eid ul-Azah means animal sacrifice, but in a spiritual sense it means making a pledge to live for a higher goal even if it requires abandoning material needs,” Nazrul Hussain Falahi, general secretary of the National Muslim Forum told Republica.
“The message of Eid ul-Azah is that one should aim for a higher goal in life, control one´s desires to maintain a state of positivity at all times. One should adhere to moral principles, even if it requires the sacrifice of material desires,” added Falahi.
“At the time of the animal sacrifice, Muslims are required to recite this pledge: My worship, conduct, my life and my death are totally devoted to God. These words reflect the true spirit of sacrifice. Eid ul-Azah means a day of covenant to live a life that is God-oriented,” said Falahi.
As in other festivals, Muslims are required to meet their neighbors, both Muslims and non-Muslims, express their best wishes and exchange gifts as a symbol of love. This part can be termed as spiritual interaction and, as such, is bound to promote peace and harmony in society.