‘Id ul Azha', also called Festival of Sacrifice, was celebrated with usual gaiety in various parts of the central districts on Monday. A large number of Muslims participated in the special khutba prayers held in the idgah maidans and mosques in the city and other parts of the district in the morning.
The Id ul Azha, popularly known as Bakrid in the country, signifies the commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his eldest son Ismail, also a Prophet, in obedience to a command from Allah; and Prophet Ismail's acceptance of this command. The Id celebrations start after the completion of all obligatory formalities of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah.
A large congregation of Muslims offered prayers in the Idgahs at Cantonment and near the Fort railway station in the city. Muslims offered prayers in the Chowk Mosque, Hazrath Natharwali Dargah Mosque; Hasan Bagh Mosque; Palakkarai N. M. Mosque; Tennur Othaiminar Mosque etc.
The Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam had made special arrangements for the khutba prayers at the Government Syed Murtuza School campus.
The imams (religious leaders) who led the prayers explained the importance of Haj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. This pilgrimage brings together Muslims of all races and tongues for one of life's most moving spiritual experiences. Pilgrims wear special clothes – simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, to proclaim to the world society that all stand equal before Allah, they pointed out.
Special ‘dua' was offered at the end of the prayers for world peace and communal harmony.
