The close of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is marked by this festival, which is celebrated with prayers and exchange of gifts.

It all started with a dream in which Allah directed the patriarch, Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Ibrahim's loyalty to the word of Allah and his son's faith in his father were on test. The dream recurred thrice before Ibrahim told Ismail about it. The two went to a mountain where Ismail tied a cloth round his father's eyes before offering himself to be sacrificed. But when Ibrahim opened his eyes, he found his son safe and sound. In his place lay a dead dumba or ram. It is in honour of this test of faith that Muslims round the world sacrifice an animal on the occasion of Id-ul-azha to show their faith, loyalty and sincerity towards Allah. In India, the animal used most often for sacrifice is the goat - which is why the occasion is spoken of in Urdu as Bakhr or Bakri-Id.

For the millions at Hajj in Saudi Arabia, it is a big day. On this day, pilgrims reach the grounds of Mina where they sacrifice an animal each. It was here that Ibrahim is believed to have sacrificed his son. The pilgrims then shave their heads. The purpose is to be one with the millions of devotees who come together to Mecca each year for the Hajj.

This Eid is the rejoicing of the mercy of Allah on Prophets - Ibrahim and his son Ismail and HIS mercy on the pilgrims in their completion of Hajj. It is also an occasion to reaffirm the ultimate loyalty to Allah, to involve one’s self in charity and helping the needy and poor from sacrificed lamb and food, and to renew the ties of love and peace on earth. The joy can be seen in the eyes of children after they have received their gifts from parents and relatives and in the visits and festivities that everyone participates in.

In India, too, goats, camels and sheep are sacrificed all over the country and prayers are offered.

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