Today is Bakrid, also known as Eid-Ul-Zuha or Eid-al-Adha-the auspicious day of sacrifice. While Muslims around the world traditionally sacrifice a goat and offer prayers at Mosques, the true spirit of the festival lies in sharing and caring for the lesser privileged.

The festival commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his dearest son to God to prove his obedience, devotion and faith. As the legend goes, God was impressed by Abraham and asked him to sacrifice a goat instead of his son.

There are a few guidelines for celebrating Bakrid. People start their day with morning prayers and exchanging wishes with family and friends.

Muslims across the globe believe that no one should go hungry on the day of the sacrificial feast. Zakat or charity is one of the prime tenets of Islam and on this day, Muslims are encouraged to share their earnings with the lesser privileged.

However, the most important part of the festival is to share food with the hungry and those who can’t afford to buy various food items. The food prepared at home be it Biriyani, Parathas, or Kheer is divided into three parts.

The large portion is to be shared with the poor and needy, the second part with friends and neighbours and the rest is for family consumption.

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Here Is How You Can Be Of Great Help On The Festive Occasion Of Bakrid 2024

• Teach your kids about giving and get them involved by talking to them about the importance of sharing. Giving unwanted toys to the less fortunate can be a great way to do this This will bring an emotion of love and the joy of sharing and in them
• Take them to a sick relative. Even by warming someone's heart, you are sharing immense love.
• You can donate to thrift stores or food pantries. Spare some stuff for the homeless or people who are living in temporary accommodation. Alternatively, you can help a stranger by donating blankets, gloves, sweaters, coats, caps, etc.
• Animals are best buddies to the ones who can’t see. You can raise puppies for guide dogs for the blind and give them a perfect companion.

Although Eid-al-Adha is fundamentally about sharing and caring for the needy, the festival feels almost incomplete without savouring some delightful food and beverages. This sacred festival, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, involves the Qurbani (sacrifice) of an animal, typically a goat, to honour the spirit of sacrifice shown by Prophet Ibrahim. The meat from the sacrifice is then divided into three parts: family, relatives, and the poor, promoting communal support and fostering empathy and charity during the festive season.

The Role of Food in Eid-al-Adha Celebrations

Food plays a pivotal role in the celebrations of Eid-al-Adha. The festival is marked by an array of mouth-watering dishes that vary from region to region, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of the Muslim world. From hearty meat dishes, and delectable sweets, to refreshing drinks, the festive spread is a true reflection of the joy and abundance associated with Eid.

Bringing People Together Through Food

The preparation and sharing of food during Eid-al-Adha are symbolic of the festival's spirit of togetherness and generosity. Families come together in the kitchen, with each member contributing to the preparation of the festive meal. The act of cooking and sharing food fosters a sense of unity and strengthens familial bonds.

Moreover, the distribution of meat to relatives, friends, and those in need ensures that the joy of Eid is shared widely, transcending social and economic boundaries. It is a time for Muslims to express gratitude for their blessings and to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate.

Conclusion

The true spirit of Bakrid lies in its message of sharing and caring. Through acts of sacrifice, charity, and community support, Muslims worldwide celebrate this festival not just as a religious duty, but as an expression of their commitment to the well-being of others. 

( This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu Ayurvedic Pharma Expert)

Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of experience and a Postgraduate Degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional. She specializes in creating personalized diet plans, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for overall wellness. Passionate about educating individuals, Sowmya develops insightful content covering food, nutrition, supplements, and health.

Netmeds.com wishes all its customers a Happy Bakrid!