With prayer, sacrifices, Pakistani Muslims celebrate Eid ul Azha
Muslims all across the country gathered to offer prayers and present sacrifices, following the path of Prophet Abraham. Photo: Reuters
(Reuters) - Muslims in Pakistan crowded mosques and prayer grounds across the country to offer prayers and sacrifice goats and cows for Eid ul Azha holiday on Saturday, marking the second major religious festival of Islam.
Security was tight, with authorities on guard from any possible attack by militants who have carried out bombings across the country in recent years.
“Today, we are here to offer Eid prayers,” said Saleem Ahmed at a ceremony in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city.
“The security arrangements were very good. May Allah approve our prayers.”
A policeman stands guard as people pray before a sacrifice slaughter during Eid ul Azha celebrations in Karachi. Photo: Reuters
Eid ul Azha commemorates the Quranic tale of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah, before Allah replaced the son with a ram to be sacrificed instead. A similar story involving Prophet Abraham is recounted in the holy books of Judaism and Christianity.
It is a tradition for those who can afford it to sacrifice domestic animals as a symbol of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son.
The result is a booming pre-holiday trade in goats, cows and sheep. In Pakistan alone, nearly 10 million animals, worth more than $3 billion, are slaughtered during the two days of Eid ul Azha, according to Pakistan Tanners’ Association.
“We are presenting sacrifices to follow the path of the Prophet Abraham. We should not forget our poor and needy Muslim brethren on this occasion,” Karachi resident Mohamad Muzammil said at the prayer ground where cows and goats were being slaughtered.
Men take a selfie during Eid ul Azha celebrations at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Photo: Reuters
Eid ul Azha marks the end of annual Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, and should be undertaken by every Muslim who can afford to do so.
With a population of about 208 million people, Pakistan is the sixth most-populous country in the world, and has the second largest Muslim population after Indonesia. About 97 percent of Pakistanis are Muslims.
