Eid in a Different Way

Eid (Eid ul Adha or Eid-e-Qurbani) is annual ritual performed by muslims for the world annually as based on lunar year. It is to commemorate the 4000 years old event in which Prophet Ibrahim offered his most beloved possession, his son Ismail for sacrifice upon God’s call. This event is called as qurbani in most countries, which translates as sacrifice in english.

In this ritual muslims sacrifice an animal, that is halaal, (whose meat is allowed to be eaten in Islamic teachings). Most of the time these animals include Cow/Bull, Goat, Sheep and sometimes Camel as well. This meat is divided in different ways. Most common of them is that, the meat is divided into 3 equal parts. First part is given to poor and oppressed living in vicinity, second part is distributed among relatives while third part is retained by the person who is performing this ritual.

Rituals are same in a religion but we see a different kind of Eid performed by people of Hunza, a valley in mountains of Karakoram range. I grow up reading different sort of Eid but performing a different. On the day of Eid in Hunza everybody gathers at Community centers located in their native villages after Eid’s prayer. All of the animals devoted for Qurbani are gathered as well. All of these animals are slaughtered one by one and meat is collected. This meat is not divided into 3 parts rather it is divided into number of households present in the vicinity of the community center, and is divided among them. No difference is seen between poor or rich, related or unrelated, everybody gets equal portion of the meat.

For some it may seems absurd but it is the real essence of sacrifice. Where the one sacrificing doesn’t believes in favouritism or nepotism. This is a model that every muslim needs to learn and replicate, rather than indulging in practices like show off by buying animals in prices above their worth. Islam teaches the same. It teaches us to be just and generous and  live a life in simplicity.

The article originally appeared at Hothcpotch Post. It has been reproduced after taking permissions from Hotchpotch Post.