Eid of sacrifice arrives

Muslims in Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most auspicious festivals in the Islamic calendar, starting from Saturday for three days with prayers, feasting and visiting with family and friends.

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Eid-ul-Azha, translating to the 'festival of sacrifice' – the second biggest religious festival of the Muslims – is popularly known as Kurbanir Eid or Bakra Eid in Bangladesh.

Despite cultural differences in Muslim countries around the globe, the basic essence and goodwill that lies at the heart of Eid-ul-Azha remain the same. Highlights of the day include preparing the finest meals derived from respective cuisines, to be shared amongst family, friends and those who are less privileged.

More importantly, the Muslims allover the world slaughter sacrificial animals and draw inspiration from the unique example of sacrifice to please Allah as shown by two great prophets - Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).

On this day, the 10th of Zilhajj some 4,000 years ago, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) offered to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) who willingly submitted to the will of his father to please Allah. But the Almighty in His benign mercy spared Ismail (AS) and instead sent a ram to be sacrificed.

The government earlier announced a three-day holiday for the officials and employees of government and non-government organisations.

Meanwhile, many city dwellers left the capital for their village homes to celebrate the eid with their near and dear ones, and those stayed back are gearing up for the festivities.

On the occasion of the eid, city streets will be illuminated and national flags to be hoisted atop government and non-government buildings.

Eid jamaats (congregations) will be held at different parts of the country.

In Dhaka City, the main congregation will be held at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises at about 8:30am. In case of inclement weather, the main congregation will be held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9:00am.

Like previous years, the authorities made a separate arrangement for women at the National Eidgah to join the eid congregation.

On the occasion, special diets will be served at different hospitals, jails, safe homes and destitute welfare centres. Newspapers will bring out supplements and electronic media will broadcast special programmes.

Meanwhile, President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted the Muslim Ummah, including the countrymen, on the occasion.

In his message, Zillur Rahman called for following the teachings and ideals of Eid-ul-Azha in everyday life. “The orders of Allah have to be implemented in our personal and social life. The future generation should be inspired by those teachings.”

In another message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for building a discrimination-free and prosperous peaceful Bangladesh being imbued with the spirit of Eid-ul-Azha by taking part in welfare-oriented activities.

On Thursday, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Jahangir Kabir Nanak visited the National Eidgah to see the preparation taken for the main eid congregation.

During the visit, Dhaka City Corporation officials informed the minister that about 1.20 lakh devotees, including 5,000 females, will be able to join the congregation at the National Eidgah.

Necessary arrangements like facilities for ablution, 400 ceiling fans, 44 pedestal fans and one mobile toilet have been made at the Eidgah.