Today is Bakrid, an auspicious day in Muslim calendar. This is also called Id-ul-Adha , Id-ul-fitr and Id-ul-Zuha. Zuha means sacrifice. Bakrid is therefore a festival of sacrifice. It may be mentioned here that sacrifice has been lauded in many other faiths. In India everybody is aware of the sacrifice of King Shibi, a forefather of Lord Rama and that of Karna in Mahabharat. Sacrifice is the noblest act of man.

On this day Muslims believe that Allah commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his 12-year old son, Ismail. Ismail was also ready for this. When Ibrahim was about to kill his son, a miracle happened and Ismail was replaced by a sheep. On this day special prayers are offered, people greet each other and exchange gifts. Everybody dresses up at one’s best. Richer Muslims contribute more and ensure that everybody has a square meat meal on this day.

Let us greet our Muslim friends on this day and wish everybody – rich and poor, to have a hearty meal. May happiness and peace prevail across the world. Happy Bakrid!