Srinagar, Aug 21 (KNS): As the Dhu'l-Hijjah moon was sighted on Aug 12, the Eid-ul-Azha, festival of sacrifice, will be observed with religious fervor across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Notably, this Eid is being observed on the 10th of the Islamic calendar’s last month, Dhu'l-Hijjah. On this festival, a spiritual Muslim offer a goat or sheep as a sacrificial animal while one camel and a calf will suffice for the vow of seven Muslims.
Allah ordered Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail. When the blindfolded father moved the blade on his son's throat to carry out the divine command, an animal from heaven replaced Ismail. It is to celebrate the absolute submission of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah's command and the saving of Ismail's life that Muslims offer animal sacrifices on Eid-ul-Azha.
Meanwhile, the big congregational Eid-ul-Azha prayers gathering are expected at Eidgah and Aasar-e-Sharif DargahHazratbal here, apart from the local Masjids, Shrines and Eidgahs at various districts across the State where religious scholars will throw light on the significance of Eid-ul-Azha and importance of sacrificial of animals.
The big congregational Eid prayers are also expected at Khadi Mill Alochi Bagh here.
As per the Islamic teachings, the Muslims across the State will start performing the act of sacrificing animals following the congregational Eid prayers as this Eid is being observed to commemorate Prophet Ibraham’s (AS) willingness to follow Allah’s command to sacrifice his son Ismaeel (AS).
Meanwhile, the markets in Kashmir especially the commercial Hub Lal Chowk and other adjacent areas in Srinagar witnessed a huge rush of shoppers from past several days.
The shoppers were seen buying essentials and other food stuff for the Eid.
While queues of buyers were seen outside bakery and mutton shops, the most crowded places in the city were the makeshift animal markets, especially at the Eidgah ground in the old City.
The other main attractions were on bakery products. Cakes, pastries, cookies and biscuits sold like hot cakes. Some of the better known bakery shops in Srinagar had taken orders as long as a month back.
The traffic cops deployed on Srinagar roads had also a tough time regulating the flow of vehicles. (KNS)