The Muslims in the city made the most of a clear sky on Sunday—the eve of one of their biggest festivals, Eid-ul-Zuha—and were seen flocking to shopping hubs for last-minute purchases.
As the rains have been lashing the city almost every day, the Muslims said they were praying for a sunny Monday so that the downpour does not ruin the festive day.
“The Eid prayers are to begin at 7am tomorrow (on Monday) and will go on to till 10am. As the rain gods have favoured our last-minute shopping spree today (on Sunday), we wish it is the same tomorrow and have planned to wrap up the prayers early, taking no chance with the unpredictable Bangalore weather,” said Ejaz Ulla Khan, principal of Citizen High School.
Yaseen Jamal, a student of Islamia College of Engineering, said the rush on Sunday was partly because rain on all other days kept people indoors.
History of festival
The word Eid is derived from the Arabic word iwa (meaning festival) and zuha comes from uzhaiya, which translates to sacrifice. Eid-ul-Zuha means the festival of holy sacrifice for the Muslims. The festival, which will be celebrated across India on Monday, coincides with the anniversary of the day when Quran was declared complete.
It is a month before Eid-ul-Zuha that the Muslims undertake Haj to Mecca. On the day of Eid, the pilgrims reach the grounds of Mina, where they sacrifice an animal each.
It was here that Hazrat Ibrahim was summoned by Allah to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail. While Ibrahim was performing the highest sacrifice, Allah replaced it with a goat.
After the sacrifice, the pilgrims shave their heads with the purpose of showing oneness with the millions of devotees who converge at Mecca each year for the Haj. The sacrificial meat is distributed to friends, family and poor people.
The celebration of Bakri Eid starts from the 10th to 12th day in the Islamic month of Dhu’l Hijja. On Eid, people wear new clothes, offer prayers and visit each other. Special prayers are offered on the three days of Eid. Ceremonial prayers and feasts are a part of this festival.
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