What Eid al-Adha commemorates
Eid al-Adha (“festival of the sacrifice”), known in India as Bakrid or Eid-ul-Zuha, commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, and God’s mercy in providing a ram in his place.
It coincides with the culmination of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, which every adult Muslim who is able is expected to perform once in a lifetime.
How it is observed
- The Eid prayer in congregation in the morning, followed by a sermon.
- Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal by those who can afford it, in accordance with religious and legal requirements. The meat is traditionally shared in three parts: for the family, for relatives and friends, and for those in need.
- Visits, new clothes and festive meals, with family, friends and neighbours.
- The days of Tashreeq that follow, with special remembrance of God.
The Day of Arafah, 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, the day before Eid, is the high point of the Hajj. Many Muslims who are not on pilgrimage fast on that day.
How the date is set
Eid al-Adha falls on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Hijri calendar. The month begins with the sighting of the new crescent, so Eid’s date depends on when Dhu al-Hijjah began in the calendar a community follows. Some communities follow the date of the Hajj in Saudi Arabia; many in India follow local sighting, which often places Eid a day after the Gulf. Like all Islamic dates, it moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year. See moon sighting and Umm al-Qura.
How OIOA helps
- The Islamic calendar shows Dhu al-Hijjah in the option you follow.
- Prayer times for Eid morning, and the Qibla.
- Reminders for the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Day of Arafah and Eid.
- Cards to wish friends and neighbours.
Wishing someone
“Eid Mubarak” or “Bakrid Mubarak”.