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Coming
with the new moon, this festival marks the end of
Ramzan, the ninth month of the Muslim year. It was
during this month that the holy Koran was revealed.
Muslims keep a fast every day during this month and
on the completion of the period, which is decided
by the appearance of the new moon, Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated
with great eclat. Prayers are offered in mosques and
Idgahs and elaborate festivities are held.
Id-ul-Azha
or Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id)
The Id-ul-Azha commemorates the ordeal of Hazrat Ibrahim,
who had been put to a terrible test by God when he
was asked to sacrifice whatever was dearest to him
and he decided to sacrifice the life of his son. As
he was on the point of applying the sword to his son's
throat, it was revealed to him that this was meant
only to test his faith, and it was enough, if instead
he sacrifices only a ram in the name of Allah.
This is celebrated on the tenth day of Zilhijja,
when the Haj celebrations at Mecca are rounded
off by the sacrifice of goats or camels. In India,
too, goats and sheep are sacrificed all over the country
and prayers are offered.
Id-i-Milad
(Barah-wafat)
The Prophet was born on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal,
the third month of the Muslim year. His death anniversary
also falls on the same day, the word 'barah'
standing for the twelve days of the Prophet's sickness.
During these days, sermons are delivered in mosques
by learned men, focusing on the life and noble deeds
of the Prophet.
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