(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Indian-controlled Kashmir, Oct. 27 — Muslims in Indian-controlled Kashmir Saturday gathered in prayer grounds (open spaces meant for special prayers) and mosques to offer Eid-ul-Adha congregational prayers.
The biggest congregation were held in twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu, where men were seen shoulder-to-shoulder in prayers, bowing down in the direction of the Muslim holiest city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Following prayers, believers subsequently joined in the practice of sacrificing animals.
Eid-ul-Adha also known as festival of sacrifice is celebrated worldwide to commemorate Prophet Abrahim’s submission to God’s will.
According to Muslim scholars the Prophet Abrahim was ordered to sacrifice his beloved son prophet Ismail. However, at the last minute, when the father’s knife was about to slit the son’s throat, a goat from heaven replaced prophet Ismail.
“Muslims on Eid-ul Adha first offer congregational prayers and later on offer sacrifice of animals,” said Mufti Zia-ul-Haq, a religious scholar. “A portion of meat of sacrificial animal is kept at home and rest is distributed among relatives, neighbors, friends and poor.”
Days ahead of this biggest festival, markets witnessed a huge rush of shoppers purchasing eatables, new clothes and sacrificial animals.
Muslims wear new clothes on this festival and greet their friends and families. Pocket money and presents are given to children on this occasion. Special foods are prepared for the day. Money is also distributed among the poor and needy.
Indian-controlled Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has extended greetings to the region’s people on Eid-ul-Adha.
Kashmiris working or studying outside travel back home to celebrate the festival with their families. Eid is an official holiday in the region.
Indian-controlled Kashmir has been reeling under conflict and violence since 1989. Separatists in the region are demanding end to New Delhi’s rule. A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region.
Authorities had placed top separatist leaders including hardliner Syed Ali Geelani and moderate Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest, fearing their participation in prayers would trigger protest demonstrations in Srinagar.
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