Festival of sacrifice celebrated with prayers for peace

A little boy offers munajat after saying his Eid-ul-Azha prayer at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Photo: Shafiq AlamStar Online Report

Eid-ul-Azha or the 'Festival of Sacrifice,' one of the largest religious festival for Muslims, was observed across the country on Saturday to commemorate the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) for Allah.

The day's programme began with offering Eid prayers by millions of Muslims at mosques and eidgahs throughout the country seeking peace and prosperity of the nation.

The prayers were followed by sacrificing animals.

The main Eid congregation of the country was held at the National Eidgah at 9:00am Saturday, attended by President Zillur Rahman among others. Separate arrangements were made at the Eidgah for women, diplomats and their wives.

Besides, five more Eid congregations were held at the Baitul Mokarram National Mosque at 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am and 11:45am.

Eid congregations were also held at different mosques and eidgahs in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country, with the biggest congregation at historic Sholakia Maidan in Kishoreganj.

Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the tenth of Dhul-Hijja through sacrifices and prayers in memory of the sacrifice of the Prophets Ibrahim Khalilullah and Ismail Zabihullah (peace be upon them).

It does not simply commemorate the unique sacrifice made by them, it also testifies eloquently to the way in which both father and son cheerfully offered to suffer any self-sacrifice, however painful or difficult it might be, in order to obey the command of Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds.

Although the word Eid in Arabic means "joy," Eid-ul-Azha is certainly not an occasion for unbridled fun and frolic, not an opportunity for immoderate gluttony.

It is a solemn, sacred festival which enables a person to enjoy, in the right spirit of Islam, through Azha, sacrifice and surrender, resignation and renunciation, selflessness and total submission to the Will of God.

Eid-ul-Azha brings for the Muslims divine blessing, an occasion not only to enjoy but also to receive Allah's Mercy and reward through sacrifice and benevolence, patience and constancy.

In separate messages, President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the people of the country on the occasion.

Leader of the Opposition and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also greeted the country people.

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