Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to God and highlights sacrifice, charity, and compassion in Islam
NewsFlash Desk: Eid al-Adha, popularly known as Bakrid, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Muslims across the world. The festival commemorates the unwavering devotion, obedience, and faith of Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in other religious traditions, and his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son in submission to God’s command.
Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Bakrid also marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
The festival is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and symbolizes sacrifice, compassion, charity, and complete faith in God.
Story Behind Bakrid and Prophet Ibrahim’s Sacrifice
According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim repeatedly saw a divine vision in which God commanded him to sacrifice what he loved most. Ibrahim understood that the command referred to his only son, Ismail.
Despite the emotional pain and difficulty of the command, Prophet Ibrahim prepared to fulfill God’s instruction as an ultimate act of obedience and devotion.
When Ibrahim informed his son Ismail about the divine command, Ismail also willingly accepted the decision, demonstrating complete submission to God’s will.
As Prophet Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and stopped him. Pleased with Ibrahim’s faith and obedience, God replaced Ismail with a ram, which was sacrificed instead.
“The story of Bakrid symbolizes faith, devotion, obedience, and the willingness to sacrifice for a higher spiritual purpose.”
Why Muslims Perform Qurbani During Eid al-Adha
The ritual animal sacrifice performed during Bakrid is known as Qurbani. Muslims sacrifice permissible animals such as goats, sheep, cows, or camels in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to sacrifice what was most precious to him.
The act of Qurbani is not merely about animal sacrifice but serves as a symbolic reminder of spiritual commitment, selflessness, and submission to God.
Islamic teachings emphasise that the ritual reflects a believer’s readiness to place faith and righteousness above personal desires and attachments.
Distribution of Meat Reflects Charity and Equality
One of the most important aspects of Bakrid is the emphasis on charity and caring for the underprivileged.
According to Islamic tradition, the meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three equal portions:
- One-third is kept for the family
- One-third is shared with relatives, friends, and neighbours
- One-third is distributed among the poor and needy
This practice promotes compassion, equality, and community welfare while ensuring that economically weaker families can also participate in the festival celebrations.
Bakrid Highlights Faith, Compassion and Community Spirit
Beyond its religious significance, Bakrid reinforces universal values such as sacrifice, gratitude, generosity, and social responsibility.
The festival is marked by special prayers at mosques, family gatherings, charitable activities, and distribution of food among communities. Muslims across the world celebrate the occasion by wearing new clothes, preparing festive meals, and strengthening social bonds.
Religious scholars often describe Eid al-Adha as a reminder that true faith requires patience, humility, and willingness to make sacrifices for moral and spiritual principles.
Bakrid and Hajj Connection
Eid al-Adha also coincides with the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam. Millions of pilgrims travel to Mecca every year to perform Hajj rituals during the sacred month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The spiritual themes of Hajj and Eid al-Fitr together emphasize devotion, unity, equality, and submission to God.
As Eid al-Fitr approaches each year, religious leaders and scholars encourage people to focus not only on celebrations but also on compassion, charity, and helping those in need.
