Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid)

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most significant festivals in Islam. It is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to God’s command. The festival marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and is observed with great devotion, charity, and festivities.

Significance of Eid-ul-Adha:
Commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s Sacrifice:

Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Judeo-Christian tradition), who is revered as a key patriarch in Islam. According to Islamic tradition, when Ibrahim’s son, Ismail, was still a child, Ibrahim had a dream in which God commanded him to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience and faith.
Ibrahim, in submission to God’s will, prepared to sacrifice his son. However, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice Ismail, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram, signifying that Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God was enough.
Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration of this ultimate act of obedience and trust in God’s command. It emphasizes the themes of faith, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s will.
The Act of Sacrifice (Qurbani):

The act of Qurbani (sacrificial offering) is a central aspect of the celebration. Muslims sacrifice an animal (usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel) to commemorate Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The meat is divided into three parts:
One part is given to the poor and needy.
One part is shared with family and friends.
The remaining part is kept for the family.
This practice is seen as a means of showing gratitude to God for His blessings and helping those in need, ensuring the spirit of charity and community solidarity.
End of Hajj:

Eid-ul-Adha is also significant because it marks the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it.
The Day of Arafah (the day before Eid-ul-Adha) is a major ritual during Hajj, where pilgrims gather at Arafat for prayers and supplications. Eid-ul-Adha follows after the pilgrims leave Arafat and is a day of celebration, prayer, and sacrifice.
When is Eid-ul-Adha Celebrated?
Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon, which determines the start of the Islamic month.
The festival lasts for three to four days depending on the country, but the first day is the most important.
Rituals and Traditions of Eid-ul-Adha:
Eid Prayers (Salat al-Eid):

The day begins with a special prayer called Salat al-Eid. Muslims gather in large congregations at mosques, prayer grounds, or open fields to offer this prayer. It is a communal act of worship and gratitude to Allah.
Salat al-Eid typically consists of two units (rak’ahs) and is followed by a sermon (khutbah) by the imam (prayer leader). After the prayer, Muslims often exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid).
Sacrifice (Qurbani) of Animals:

The act of sacrifice is performed after the Eid prayer. Muslims who can afford to do so, sacrifice an animal in the name of God. The sacrifice is usually done by a qualified individual or in a slaughterhouse under Islamic guidelines to ensure the animal is treated humanely.
The sacrifice symbolizes the commitment of the Muslim to surrender their worldly desires and obey the will of God, similar to Prophet Ibrahim’s submission.
Charity and Sharing:

A significant aspect of Eid-ul-Adha is charity. The distribution of the meat from the Qurbani to the poor and those in need is a fundamental practice of the festival. This embodies the principles of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility.
Many Muslims also make donations to charitable organizations, help the less fortunate, and ensure that people in need are part of the celebration.
Family and Community Gatherings:

Eid-ul-Adha is a time for families and communities to come together, celebrate, and share meals. Families often invite extended relatives and friends to their homes for festive meals, and children enjoy receiving gifts and wearing new clothes.
Festive feasts featuring traditional dishes are prepared, and special sweets and desserts are served, such as sheer khurma (a milk-based dessert), baklava, or samosas.
Gifts and New Clothes:

Similar to Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha is also marked by the tradition of wearing new clothes, giving Eidi (gifts), and spreading joy among loved ones. Families exchange gifts, and the children often receive money or toys as part of the celebrations.
Visiting Relatives and the Sick:

Many Muslims use Eid-ul-Adha as an opportunity to visit relatives, particularly the elderly, and sick members of the community. It is also common to visit the graves of deceased loved ones to pray for their souls.
Key Messages of Eid-ul-Adha:
Obedience to God’s Will:

The primary message of Eid-ul-Adha is the willingness to sacrifice for God. Just as Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his son, Muslims are encouraged to prioritize God’s will and submit to His guidance in all aspects of life.
Charity and Compassion:

The festival teaches the importance of giving to others, especially those in need. The sacrifice of animals is an opportunity to share blessings with the less fortunate and support the community.
Unity and Brotherhood:

Eid-ul-Adha fosters a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims. It is a time to come together, irrespective of wealth, status, or background, and celebrate the blessings of life and faith.
Spiritual Renewal:

The celebration provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal. Muslims are reminded of their faith, commitment to God, and responsibility to help others. The festival encourages selflessness, sacrifice, and gratitude.
Eid-ul-Adha Around the World:
Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, where the Hajj pilgrimage takes place, the celebration is especially significant. The festival starts after the Hajj pilgrims perform their rites, and meat from sacrifices is distributed across the country and to those in need.

India and Pakistan: In countries like India and Pakistan, Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated with large gatherings, prayers, processions, and sacrifices. People often travel to their ancestral homes to celebrate with family. Special dishes such as mutton kebabs, biryani, and korma are commonly served.

Turkey: In Turkey, Eid-ul-Adha is known as Kurban Bayramı, and it is celebrated with family visits, sacrifices, and special prayers. The Turkish government also arranges for meat distribution to the poor.

Indonesia: As the largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia celebrates Eid-ul-Adha with community prayers, sacrificial animal distributions, and festive meals. Mutton and beef are often used to prepare traditional dishes like rendang.

Egypt: In Egypt, the festival is marked by family gatherings, large feasts, and meat distribution to the poor. Traditional Egyptian sweets like baklava are made and shared among friends and neighbors.

Conclusion:
Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) is a time of deep religious reflection, social responsibility, and spiritual renewal for Muslims around the world. It highlights the principles of obedience to God, sacrifice, charity, and community. The sacrifice of animals during the festival not only honors the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim but also reinforces the importance of helping those in need and fostering compassion. It is a celebration that brings families, communities, and nations together, reinforcing the bonds of faith, love, and generosity.