New Delhi, August 8: Muslims in India will celebrate Eid -al-Adha or Eid a-Azha festival, popularly known as Bakrid or Bakra Eid, on August 12. Bakrid is one of the two major festivals celebrated by the Muslim population worldwide -- the other being Eid al-Fitr. On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, financially stable Muslims sacrifice a bovine or cattle and distribute its meat among relatives and poor people. Eid al-Adha 2019: 'Muslims Should Not Sacrifice Animal on Eid As it Falls on Same Day as Last Somvar of Saawan', Says Gen Sec of United Shia Movement.

The ritual of sacrificing an animal commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. Islam has laid down some rules for animal slaughtering for consumption or sacrifice to celebrate Bakra Eid. Check out these rules below:

  • The animal to be slaughtered on Bakra Eid must be from the categories that are permitted for Muslims to eat.

  • The animal must not be suffering from sickness at the time of slaughtering.

  • Slaughtering should be done out of sight of other animals, and a sharp knife must be used for the purpose.

  • The slaughtering must be done in one stroke without lifting the knife.

  • The windpipe (throat), food-tract (oesophagus) and the two jugular veins must be cut.

  • The swift cutting of veins of the neck disconnects the flow of blood to the nerve of the brain responsible for pain. Thus the animal does not feel pain.

  • The head of the animal must not be removed wholly during slaughtering but later after the animal is entirely dead.

  • The slaughtering must be done manually not by a machine.

According to religious scriptures, Ibrahim was asked to sacrifice the dearest thing he possesses. Hence, he decided to sacrifice the life of his son. His son Ismaeel too agreed to get killed as an act of obedience to God’s command. When Ibrahim attempted to cut the throat of his son, he was astonished to see that his son was replaced by a ham, which was slaughtered. This incident is mentioned in the Bible as well as in Torah with minor changes.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2019 11:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).