Pakistan Celebrates Eid-Ul-Adha With Religious Ardour

Muslims all across Pakistan, Bangladesh and India are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha 2021 under strict precautionary measures amidst the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

Eid-ul-Adha 2021 celebrations in the country, which will last till Friday, come at a time when a steady rise in COVID-19 cases has been witnessed and the threat of the Delta variant looms high.

The day started with special prayers in mosques for the well-being of the Ummah and the progress, prosperity and security of the country.

Ulema in their sermons of Eid highlights the significance of the philosophy of great sacrifice offered by Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail (AS).

After the Eid prayers, people will offer sacrifices of animals to follow the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).

Owing to the potential of Eid becoming a probable cause for the fourth wave — the government has urged the nation to scale back on gatherings.

People should maintain social distancing during Eid prayers. The government has made special security arrangements to ensure peaceful observance of the three-day festivity across the country.

Here are five things to know about Eid al-Adha 2021:

Origins 

Muslims believe the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was tested by God who commanded him to sacrifice his first-born son, Ismail.

Ibrahim was prepared to submit to the command, but God stayed his hand. Instead, he was told to sacrifice an animal, likely a lamb or sheep.

End of Hajj

Eid-al-Adha also marks the end of Hajj, a five-day pilgrimage all healthy and financially capable Muslims are obliged to undertake. The Hajj is believed to cleanse the soul of sins and instil a sense of equality, sisterhood and brotherhood.

Around 2.5 million Hajis from around the world gather annually to the cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia for the ritual.

Eid Prayers

Most Muslims begin celebrating Eid by performing extra prayers in the morning.

Mosques are packed with worshippers on Eid day with outside arrangements made to accommodate large groups of people.

Sacrificing Animal

The occasion of Eid-al-Adha is marked by sacrificing an animal that Muslims can eat – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – by those who can afford to do so.

In many parts of the Muslim world, special livestock markets are set up for people to buy an animal for the Eid sacrifice.

This year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, numerous apps and websites have appeared

Distribution Of Meat

The animal sacrifice comes with an element of charity and donation, as the person paying for the Qurbani is required to distribute part of it to needy people.

The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided among three groups: the person sacrificing it and their immediate family, extended family and friends, and those in need.

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