Having recently uploaded few images of the livestock markets and the purchase of sacrificial animals that are the focus of this major Islamic religious festival,  On previous years I received comments that indicate that while this festival is "known about" most people dont really know what it is about. I thought I might share and explanation along with a few of my personal favourite images related to the festival in my DA folders.  This little journal is just an explanation of our perspective and our custom and please do not consider it to be anything beyond a journalistic article.

Historically

It is well known to Muslims, Christians and Jews that Abraham was ordered to sacrifice his son and he was willing to do so but God gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead of his cherished progeny. It is this act of faith that is celebrated in Eid Ul Ahda (Solemn Festival Of Sacrifice).

When Ismā'īl was about 13 (Abraham being 99), Allah decided to test their faith in public. Abraham had a recurring dream, in which Allah was commanding him to offer up for sacrifice – an unimaginable act – his son, whom Allah had granted him after many years of deep prayer. Abraham knew that the dreams of the prophets were divinely inspired, and one of the ways in which Allah communicated with his prophets. When the intent of the dreams became clear to him, Abraham decided to fulfill Allah's command and offer Ishmael for sacrifice.
Although Abraham was ready to sacrifice his dearest for Allah's sake, he could not just bring his son to the place of sacrifice without his consent. Ishmael had to be consulted as to whether he was willing to give up his life in fulfillment of Allah's command. This consultation would be a major test of Ishmael's maturity in faith; love and commitment for Allah; willingness to obey his father; and readiness to 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 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 (Allah willing), to be very patient." His mature response, his deep insight into the nature of his father's dreams, his commitment to Allah, and ultimately his willingness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of Allah were all unprecedented.

When Abraham attempted to cut Ishmael's throat, he was astonished to see that Ishmael was unharmed and instead, he found a dead ram which was slaughtered. Abraham had passed the test by his willingness to carry out Allah's command.

Practice

It is customary for Muslims to sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel during any one of the three days of Eid-ul-Adha.

The Sacrifice is mandatory only on adults who are earning and earning enough to afford the sacrifice.  This year on the average depending on the animal chosen a sacrificial animal could cost between 150 USD to 3,000 USD and more.  A person may sacrifice more than one animal.

(I know by now many people are cringing at how many times I have used the word sacrifice)

The concept of the religious festival is not that The Almighty is demanding a sacrifice or a tribute from Man, but it is to be a lesson in understanding the concept of Sacrifice, Charity and brotherhood.  (So how does this translate)

First of all, the person is supposed to buy the animal well in advance of the festival and during this period he is supposed to care for the animal, feed it, groom it and build a bond with the animal. The animal is usually kept in the yard or lawn of the house.  People / children spend time walking the animal, feeding it themselves like a pet.  So when the time comes to sacrifice the animal they have a little comprehension of loss. 

The meat is then divided up into three parts.

The skin of the animal is usually donated to charities that collect and resell the skin to tanneries, it is estimated that last year, close to 3 million dollars were given to our major charities like the Edhi Foundation, just by the donation of the skins/pelts.

Of the three parts of meat, the person offering the sacrifice is entitled to keep one third for his own self.

One Part is meant for relatives, friends and neighbours.  We make small portions and visit our neighbours, friends and relatives bearing gifts, and this encourages neighbourly interaction and friendliness and is a great opportunity to meet everybody.
  
The Third part is meant for the poor, often it is just donated to orphanages or the like.  The suggested way is that one should distribute it personally, find out the poor and needy around you, Visit them and present them a small portion of meet out of this third part.  (often one gets beggars coming to your door asking for donations) ... but again by seeking out the poor and greeting them and presenting a traditionally accepted gift of meat, also expands social interaction and friendliness.

My Perspective

My perspective as a so-called photojournalist.  are all the add-hoc pop-up livestock markets that spring up around and outside the town.  With a colourful variety of both sellers ad buyers.  I love the noise, the dust, the constant bustling activity, the haggling, the fun that people have and of course It does afford an interesting photo-op or two.