Eidul Azha or ‘Bakra’ Eid, as we call it informally, was near. Only seven days were left and everyone was full of excitement.

Haris was also overjoyed. His father had brought an adorable cow and three healthy goats. Haris played with them all day and took the responsibility to feed the animals himself. He even named his goats — Tory, Wolly and Pony. Haris loved them dearly and paid all his attention to the animals.

One day, when Haris was returning from school, he saw his friend Hamid sitting on a bench in their neighbourhood. Hamid seemed upset, so Haris went closer to him.

“What happened, Hamid? You look really sad!” Haris asked.

“I am not jealous of my friends because they have bought sacrificial animals. I am happy in their happiness, but I wish we could also buy a sacrificial animal,” Hamid replied, still upset.

“So are you buying it?” Haris asked.

“No, I don’t think so. I asked my father last night about when we are going to buy a sacrificial animal, he didn’t give me a clear reply. My mum looked at me angrily and it was clear that she wanted me to be silent on the topic. So I understood that there will be no sacrificial animal this year and remained silent. But I will be fine as I have accepted it. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Hamid said as he sadly walked away.

That night, Haris kept on thinking about Hamid and he wished he could somehow help his friend. When the sun welcomed a new day, Haris went to his sister who was sitting in her room.

“Appi, there is a problem. Will you help me out?” Haris asked his sister.

“Sure, Haris. What is it?” Appi replied

“Appi, you know my friend Hamid. He hasn’t got any sacrificial animal for Bakar Eid because I think his father doesn’t have enough money. Is there any way we can help him? Please Appi?” Haris requested his sister.

“Hmm, Haris, it is a big problem. Maybe we can talk to Baba. He would surely have a solution to it,” Haris agreed and they both went to their father.

“Baba, Haris has something to say to you,” said Appi.

“What is it Haris, do you want something?” his father asked.

“Actually Baba …,” and he narrated the whole thing to his father and asked for a solution.

“I understand, but I am really sorry we have already got our animals and now I haven’t got any extra money to buy them an animal,” his father said.

Haris became sad, and said, “It’s okay Baba!”

Just then his father stopped him by saying, “But there is only one solution for it!”

Haris turned eagerly. Before Haris could ask his father said, “Maybe we can give him one of our goats as a gift! If everyone agrees,” his father said.

“Yes Baba! Why not?”

“I have no issues,” Aapi said.

Haris yelled excitedly and with his father he took their goat, Wolly, to his friend Hamid.

When Haris told Hamid that it is for him, Hamid could not believe it and hugged him and thanked his father. But then he became concerned and turned to Hamid.

“This is your goat, I can’t take it. It is not right,” Hamid spoke.

Meanwhile, Hamid’s father came out to see who had come and he was also surprised to see a goat on their doorstep.

So Haris’ father intervened and said, “It’s a gift from Haris to Hamid, and please don’t say no. After all, we all have the same zeal and love for this occasion and we are required to share it with our family and friends. We have three goats and want to share one with you. You can offer the sacrifice on our behalf, and Hamid can enjoy taking care of the goat. Please don’t say no and make the children sad. Just pray to Allah to accept our deed.”

Hamid’s father agreed on seeing the sincere gesture of both Haris and his father. The two men hugged, as did their sons. It then turned out to be a fabulous Eid for Haris as well as for Hamid.

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 9th, 2022