Bakra-Eid Mubarak but I don't like slaughtering of Goats - Sorry !!!

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        Today is the day of devotion. Today is the day of prayers. Today is the day of celebration. Today is one of the most celebrated festival of the world - Bakra Eid which is also known as Eid-Al-Adha. The festival is celebrated by Islam followers i.e. Muslims. But the enthusiasm of the festival can be seen in the Non-muslim mob too. This festival is also known as "Festival of Sacrifice". On this day, an animal is slaughtered to sacrifice for the God. The only animals allowed to be sacrificed are - Cow, goat, sheep and Camel. Mainly, Goat is used as the name refers to BAKRI-Eid and also because many Hindus eat goats too so its easy to share and celebrate with them. The meat should be divided into 3 parts to be distributed amongst others. The family keeps 1/3rd part of the share, another part is given to family, friends and neighbors and the third part is distributed amongst poor and needy.

            The history behind this festival goes like this - Abrahim prayed to Allah a lot for a child. At last with the blessings of Allah, Abrahim is graced with a son whom he names Ishmael. When Ishmael was about 13 (Ibrahim being 99), Allah (God) decided to test their faith in and submission to Allah in public. Both father and son were put through the most difficult test of their love for Allah. Abraham had a recurring dream, in which God was commanding him to offer his son as a sacrifice – an unimaginable act – sacrificing his son, which God had granted him after many years of deep prayer, the one who had been the center of his affection and love for all these years. Abraham knew that the dreams of the prophets were inspired by Allah, and one of the ways in which God communicated with his prophets. This must be what Allah had wanted him to do. 

             When the intent of the dreams became clear to him, Abraham decided to fulfil God's command and offer his beloved son in sacrifice. Although Abraham was ready to sacrifice his dearest for Allah’s sake, he could not just go and drag his son to the place of sacrifice without his consent. Isma'el had to be consulted as to whether he was willing to give up his life as fulfillment to God's command. This consultation would be a major test of Isma'el’s maturity in faith, love and commitment for Allah, willingness to obey his father and sacrifice his own life for the sake of Allah.
 
            Abraham presented the matter to his son and asked for his opinion about the dreams of slaughtering him. Ishmael’s reaction was absolutely astounding. He did not show any hesitation or reservation even for a moment. He said, “Father, do what you have been commanded. You will find me, Insha'Allah (God willing), to be very patient.” His mature response, his deep insight into the nature of dad’s dreams, his commitment to Allah, and ultimately his willingness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of Allah were all unprecedented. When both father and son had shown their perfect obedience to Allah and they had practically demonstrated their willingness to sacrifice their most precious possessions for His sake—Abraham by laying down his son for sacrifice and Ishmael by lying patiently under the knife – Allah called out to them stating that his sincere intentions had been accepted, and that he need not carry out the killing of Ishmael. Instead, Abraham was told to replace his son with a ram(animal) to sacrifice instead. Allah also told them that they had passed the test imposed upon them by his willingness to carry out God's command. 

             Abraham had shown that his love for his god superseded all others: that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dearest to him in submission to God's command. Muslims commemorate this ultimate act of sacrifice every year during Eid al-Adha. Wonderful belief and wonderful celebration. I have a little problem with the numerous death of goats on the day. They are bought for high prices starting from 5,000 to 1.5 Lakh just for slaughtering and killing them. I am in no position to point out the fingers on the people who are killing the animal as I am a non-vegetarian too and I eat chicken and fish and goat. I am not killing but I am eating that animal. This indirectly means that I eat it and therefore the shopkeeper kills it. It is sad. Being a human being, we are killing the animals because they aren't as powerful as we are. 

               Suppose there would have been a creature more powerful, stronger, intellectual than human beings made by God. There would have been a day when these creatures believed that a human should be sacrificed by each of them and they will have to slaughter humans and eat their meat. Just imagine how terrible our life would have been. Even hiding in a room by keeping the doors locked would not have been the option to save ourself as the creatures are stronger than us in both the features-Physical and mental. Same is done with Goats on this day. I just don't like this part of the festival. I pointed out ill-beliefs of Hindus on Diwali, Ganeshotsav and Navratri. Same here, Muslims are doing little wrong here. I have some Muslim friends who don't believe in sacrificing an animal for the sake of eating and distributing. They don't participate in this part of the festival. They wish their Muslim friends and make a normal sewai and sheerkorma rather than the meat. 

               I am feeling ashamed of talking about this topic as I am the criminal too. Even I eat goat's meat. But I think its wrong and the worst part of the festival. Muslims have answers to all the questions regarding the slaughtering of goats and other animals on the day of Eid but I don't find any answers convincing my soul and mind. 

                I would like to apologize to all my Muslim brothers. Its just a personal view. Even I am a non-vegetarian but I feel this is not right. And I would also apologize if I have posted something wrong as the history of this festival. If you find one, please notify me, I'll correct it. No offense to the religion and the pious people is meant. Any statement above stating is unintentional. Happy Eid to all of you.Eat as much meat, kheema, biryani, kabab tomorrow and share with me too. ;-)

               HAPPY EID TO ALL !!!

             Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU