Bakrid is one of the most popular festivals celebrated by the Muslims all over the world where it is known as Eid-Al-Adha. It commemorates the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was ready to sacrifice his first born on God's command, and later sacrificed a sheep as per God's instructions. Animals like goat, sheep, cow or camel are sacrificed on this day. It is a day of feasting and visiting with friends and family. The festival is celebrated after the Hajj pilgrimage.
The legend of Bakra Eid
The origin of the festival of Bakrid has been described in Islamic traditions. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was instructed by God to bring his Egyptian wife Hajar and his son Ishmael to the deserts of Saudi Arabia and to leave them there. By divine intervention, a well appeared here which helped Hajar and her son to survive. Later, Abraham returned here and preached the word of God.
In order to test him, God commanded him to sacrifice his only son Ishmael in repeated dreams. When Abraham asked Ishmael, he was ready to bow before the will of God. Satan tried to distract them, but Ishmael drove him away by throwing stones. Finally, when Abraham tried to cut his son's throat, he was spared by divine intervention and found a ram to have been sacrificed instead. To commemorate this day of sacrifice and the mercy of God, Bakrid is celebrated with sacrifice of animals.
Other names of Bakrid
The proper name for Bakrid is Id-Al-Adha. Since goats (bakri) are sacrificed during this festival, hence it is known as Bakrid. It is also called Qurbani meaning sacrifice.
When is Bakrid celebrated?
Bakrid is celebrated at the end of the month of Islamic holy pilgrimage or Hajj. It falls on the tenth of Dhul-Hugg or the last month of the lunar Islamic calendar.
The Rituals of Bakrid
Bakrid is celebrated with lot of ceremony all over the country. It is especially observed in the city of Hyderabad. The rituals of the festival are as follows:
- The day begins with Muslims dressing up in new clothes and visiting the mosque. There, they perform dua or prayers for peace and prosperity of all.
- Takbir is recited before and after the prayers.
- Sacrifice is the most important aspect of Bakrid. Animals like goat, sheep, cow and camel are sacrificed. The animals must meet certain standards of perfection and the sacrifice is carried out in accordance with the religious laws.
- Wealthy families are expected to provide one animal for sacrifice while if the family is poor, seven or seventy families can contribute to sacrifice one animal. Two thirds of the meat is distributed to the poor and one third is retained by the family for consumptions.
- After the prayers, alms are given to the poor.
- People visit with each other and exchange greetings of Id Mubarak. They visit houses of friends and relatives to celebrate Id.
- Feasts are prepared throughout the day. Everybody is made a part of the festivities. Special delicacies are prepared to celebrate Bakrid. In addition, gifts are also exchanged.
Bakrid festival dates between 2017 & 2024
Year Date
2017 Saturday, 2nd of September
2018 Wednesday, 22nd of August
2019 Monday, 12th of August
2020 Friday, 31st of July
2021 Tuesday, 20th of July
2022 Sunday, 10th of July
2023 Thursday, 29th of June
2024 Monday, 17th of June
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