Eid al-Adha: What is Bakra Eid? What is meaning of celebrations?

Eid al-Adha or Bakra Eid, one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar, is just around the corner, bringing a sense of joy, spirituality and unity for millions of Muslims around the world. Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, this auspicious occasion holds deep meaning and meaning for believers as it symbolizes key elements of faith, sacrifice, and community.

Eid al-Adha, an important festival for Muslims, is celebrated towards the end of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. It commemorates the will of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. Eid-al-Adha is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims for four days starting from the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah according to the Hijri calendar.

According to Muslim belief, Abraham had a dream of slaughtering his son but he ignored it. When you had the same dream continuously for three days, you realized that this dream was definitely from Allah Almighty. Therefore, they did not think about it and accepted it as Allah's order. Although he was a good man and loved his son very much, his devotion and belief in God was so strong that he did not hesitate to sacrifice his own beloved son Ismail. And they agreed to take a bold step and sacrifice their son. This act of theirs pleased Allah immensely.

What is Bakra Eid or Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important religious festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. It falls on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid al-Adha commemorates the will of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah's command.

It is an Arabic word and it means "sacrifice". It means "Eid of Sacrifice". This festival is celebrated approximately 70 days after the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In Arab countries, it is known as Eid al-Adha and in India, it is known as Bakra Eid. It is a great Muslim festival which is basically the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) which describes the faith of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) and his devotion to Allah Almighty.

Why is Bakra Eid celebrated?

The story behind Eid al-Adha has its roots in the Islamic narrative of the prophet Ibrahim. According to Islamic traditions and the Qur'an, Prophet Ibrahim received a divine mandate from Allah in a dream, telling him to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail. Initially considering it a dream, Prophet Ibrahim recognized the recurring vision as a divine message and shared it with Ismail. Both father and son showed unwavering faith and willingness to obey Allah's command.

As Prophet Ibrahim was preparing to perform the sacrifice, Allah intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of Ismail. This act demonstrated Allah's mercy and acceptance of Prophet Ibrahim's submission. It symbolized that true devotion and obedience lie in the sincerity of one's intentions and actions rather than the actual sacrifice itself.

During Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate this event by performing various rituals. The festivities usually begin with congregational prayers held in mosques or open places of worship.

After the prayers, Muslims participate in the act of Qurbani, which involves sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice. The meat of the slaughtered animal is divided into three parts: one third for the family, one third for relatives and friends, and one third for the less fortunate and needy. This practice emphasizes the values of generosity, sharing, and caring for marginalized members of society.

Eid prayer

The Eid prayer, also known as Salat al-Eid or Eid Salah, is a special congregational prayer performed by Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It holds great significance and is an integral part of Eid celebrations.

The Eid prayer is usually held in an open area, such as a mosque or an open place of worship, allowing a large number of people to gather and participate. It takes place shortly after sunrise, usually after the sun has risen a few meters above the horizon.

After the prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon (Khutbah) that focuses on the significance of the occasion, provides guidance, and offers reminders about faith, righteousness, and community responsibilities. The sermon stresses the importance of gratitude, unity, kindness, and the values that the specific Eid being celebrated promotes.

Attending the Eid prayer is considered highly recommended for Muslims, and both male and female are encouraged to participate. It is a time for Muslims to come together as a community, strengthen their bond and express their gratitude to Allah for the blessings received. Prayer serves as a means to seek forgiveness, mercy and blessings for oneself, family, friends and the entire Muslim ummah (community).

What is meaning of the celebrations?

The central celebration of Eid al-Adha involves the ritual sacrifice of an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow. This act of sacrifice symbolizes the willingness of believers to give up something precious in obedience to Allah. The meat of the slaughtered animal is then distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, emphasizing the values of charity, compassion, and community sharing. It is a time when the wealthy share their blessings with those in need, fostering a sense of unity and empathy within the Muslim community.

Eid al-Adha festivities also include collective prayers held in mosques or open-air places of worship. Muslims gather to offer special prayers known as the Eid prayer, seeking blessings, forgiveness, and divine mercy. These prayers serve as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, humility, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

Beyond the religious significance, Eid al-Adha has a broader cultural and social dimension. Families and friends gather to exchange greetings and good wishes, wearing their best clothes. Festive meals are shared and homes are adorned with decorations, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. It is a time for communities to come together, strengthen ties and extend hospitality to one another.

Furthermore, Eid al-Adha serves as a period of reflection and self-evaluation, prompting people to evaluate their actions, intentions, and the extent to which they embody the principles of faith, sacrifice, and compassion in their daily lives. It is an opportunity for Muslims to renew their commitment to their faith and seek spiritual growth.

Eid Al Adha 2023: Bakrid Dates in Different Countries

Eid Al Adha 2023: FAQs

When is Eid Al Adha 2023 in India?

Eid Al Adha in India will be celebrated on June 29, 2023.

How to celebrate Eid Al Adha?

On this day, Muslims offer prayers to Allah, sacrifice an animal, and share sweets and food with the needy and poor.

How many days Eid al-Adha celebrated for?

Eid al-Adha is celebrated for two to four days. 

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