Kathmandu: The Muslim community is set to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakar Eid, on Saturday. This occasion marks the second most significant festival for Muslims, following Ramadan or Eid-ul-Fitr. Observed on the 70th day after Ramadan, the festival is closely associated with the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, which is undertaken by those who can afford it.
According to National News Agency Nepal, during Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims engage in the ritual slaughtering of animals, an act permitted by their religious beliefs. This practice is rooted in the Islamic narrative, which recounts how Allah was pleased with Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Ishmael, born to Hagar when Ibrahim was 90 years old, was to be sacrificed as commanded by Allah. However, through divine intervention, Ishmael was spared, and a ram was slaughtered in his place. The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha continues this tradition of sacrifice, known as Qurbani, commemorating the profound act of faith demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.