Eid al-Adha / Bakrid: Meaning, Sacrifice, Prayer, and How Muslims Celebrate
Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid or Eid ul-Adha, is one of the holiest celebrations in Islam — a festival of sacrifice, devotion, gratitude, and compassion. Celebrated by Muslims across the world, Eid al-Adha commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son in submission to Allah's command. Known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," Eid al-Adha takes place during the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah and coincides with the completion of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. For Muslims, Eid al-Adha is more than a celebration — it is a reminder of complete trust in Allah, sincerity in worship, generosity toward others, and caring for the poor and needy through Qurbani and charity.
When Is It?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival begins after the Day of Arafah and continues through the Days of Tashreeq. Because the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, the date changes every year in the Gregorian calendar.
Eid Prayer
Eid al-Adha begins with a special congregational prayer known as Eid Salah, performed shortly after sunrise. Muslims gather in mosques and open prayer grounds to pray together and listen to the imam's khutbah (sermon).
Qurbani (Udhiya)
One of the central acts of Eid al-Adha is Qurbani (Udhiya) — the ritual sacrifice performed in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's obedience to Allah. The meat is shared among family, relatives, neighbors, and those in need.
What Is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is an Islamic festival commemorating the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). According to Islamic tradition, Allah tested Ibrahim (AS) by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son. As Ibrahim prepared to fulfill Allah's command with complete sincerity and submission, Allah replaced the intended sacrifice with an animal.
This powerful event symbolizes unwavering faith, trust in Allah, and the willingness to sacrifice worldly attachments for the sake of obedience to Him.
Muslims honor this profound act of devotion through Qurbani (sacrifice), prayer, charity, remembrance of Allah, and acts of kindness. Eid al-Adha occurs on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, shortly after the completion of the major rites of Hajj in Makkah.
The festival emphasizes four central themes:
Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha?
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha to remember the faith, trust, and obedience demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The festival teaches believers that true devotion sometimes requires sacrifice and complete submission to Allah's guidance.
Eid al-Adha also honors the completion of Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, during which millions of Muslims gather in Makkah for worship, prayer, and remembrance of Allah. The day reminds Muslims to strengthen their faith through worship, patience, charity, compassion, and gratitude.
When Is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date varies every year based on moon sighting announcements and the lunar calendar.
Eid al-Adha follows the Day of Arafah — one of the holiest days in Islam — and coincides with the completion of Hajj rituals in Makkah.
The celebration usually lasts for three days, known as the Days of Tashreeq.
How Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated through worship, sacrifice, charity, family gatherings, and community celebrations. These traditions connect Muslims worldwide through shared acts of faith and generosity.
Eid Prayer
Muslims gather in mosques or open prayer grounds to perform Eid Salah and listen to the khutbah.
Qurbani (Udhiya)
Eligible Muslims sacrifice livestock such as sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes, or camels in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to Allah.
Sharing With the Poor
The meat from Qurbani is distributed among family, relatives, neighbors, and people in need so everyone can participate in the joy of Eid.
New or Clean Clothes
Many Muslims wear their best or new clothes as a sign of gratitude and celebration.
Family and Friends
Families gather to share meals, visit relatives, exchange gifts, and greet each other with 'Eid Mubarak.'
Community Gatherings
Mosques and Islamic centers organize Eid events, communal meals, charity drives, and celebrations for the community.
Eid Salah: The Special Eid Prayer
One of the most important acts of worship on Eid al-Adha is performing the Eid Salah — a special congregational prayer offered shortly after sunrise. Like Eid al-Fitr prayer, Eid Salah is offered without adhan (call to prayer) or iqamah and symbolizes unity, gratitude, and remembrance of Allah.
The prayer consists of two rak'ahs with additional Takbirs (saying "Allahu Akbar"). After the prayer, the imam delivers a khutbah (sermon) reminding Muslims about sacrifice, devotion, generosity, and obedience to Allah.
How Is Eid Salah Performed?
Minor variations exist among Islamic schools of thought; the structure below reflects the generally accepted form.
1st Rak'ah
- Opening Takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram)
- Several additional Takbirs (typically 7)
- Recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah
- Ruku (bowing) and Sujood (prostration)
2nd Rak'ah
- Recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah
- Additional Takbirs before bowing (typically 5)
- Ruku and Sujood
- Tashahhud and Tasleem (completion of prayer)
The Importance of Eid Salah: Eid Salah symbolizes unity and gratitude. Muslims gather together to celebrate faith, strengthen community bonds, and begin Eid with worship and remembrance of Allah.
Takbir of Eid al-Adha
One of the most important Sunnah practices during Eid al-Adha and the Days of Tashreeq is the recitation of the Takbir — glorifying and praising Allah during these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims recite the Takbir from the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, especially after the Day of Arafah and throughout the days of Eid al-Adha.
Common Takbir of Eid
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illAllah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd
الله أكبر، الله أكبر، لا إله إلا الله، الله أكبر، الله أكبر، ولله الحمد
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah.
Another commonly recited form:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illAllah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd
When Is Takbir Recited?
- • During the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah
- • After the five daily prayers during the Days of Tashreeq
- • While traveling to Eid prayer
- • In homes, mosques, markets, and gatherings
- • Throughout Eid celebrations as remembrance of Allah
Spiritual Importance of Takbir: The Takbir of Eid is a powerful expression of gratitude, worship, and remembrance of Allah. It reminds Muslims that Allah is greater than all worldly matters and strengthens the spirit of devotion during the blessed days of Eid al-Adha.
Qurbani (Udhiya): The Sacrifice
Qurbani, also known as Udhiya, is one of the central acts of worship during Eid al-Adha. Muslims who are financially able perform the sacrifice following the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The sacrifice takes place after the Eid prayer during the days of Eid.
The meat is commonly divided into three parts:
Conditions for Qurbani Animals
The animal must meet specific Islamic requirements:
Goats & Sheep
At least 1 year old
Cows & Buffaloes
At least 2 years old
Camels
At least 5 years old
Qurbani reflects devotion to Allah, gratitude for His blessings, and compassion toward others. The Quran reminds believers:
"Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you." — Surah Al-Hajj (22:37)
Sunnah Practices on Eid al-Adha
Muslims follow several Sunnah practices observed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during Eid al-Adha, each carrying its own spiritual wisdom and significance.
Recite the Takbir
Muslims recite Takbir during the days of Dhul Hijjah and after prayers during the Days of Tashreeq.
Attend Eid Prayer Early
It is recommended to attend Eid prayer in congregation and listen to the khutbah.
Wear Clean or Best Clothes
Muslims wear clean, beautiful, or new clothes to honor the sacredness of Eid.
Offer Qurbani
Those who are able perform the sacrifice after Eid prayer according to Islamic teachings.
Take Different Routes
The Prophet ﷺ sometimes used different routes when going to and returning from Eid prayer.
Learn More About Eid al-Adha and Islamic History
Explore the inspiring stories connected to Eid al-Adha and deepen your understanding of Islamic history and worship:
Continue learning through authentic Islamic resources, Quran study, tafsir, duas, and Islamic history.
Celebrate Eid / Bakrid With Knowledge and Reflection
Eid al-Adha is more than a celebration — it is a reminder of faith, sacrifice, obedience, gratitude, and compassion. As Muslims around the world gather in prayer and generosity, the day encourages believers to renew their trust in Allah and strengthen their connection with family, community, and those in need. By carrying forward the timeless values taught through the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Muslims continue the spiritual lessons of Eid throughout the year — through worship, charity, kindness, sincerity, and devotion to Allah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is one of the most important Islamic festivals that commemorates the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah. It is known as the Festival of Sacrifice and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide through prayer, Qurbani, charity, and family gatherings.
Why do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha to honor the faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The festival also marks the completion of Hajj and reminds believers about sacrifice, gratitude, devotion to Allah, and helping those in need.
When is Eid al-Adha celebrated?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date changes every year in the Gregorian calendar based on moon sighting.
What is Qurbani in Eid al-Adha?
Qurbani, also known as Udhiya, is the ritual sacrifice performed during Eid al-Adha in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's obedience to Allah. Eligible Muslims sacrifice an animal such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, and the meat is shared with family, friends, and the poor.
How is Eid al-Adha prayer performed?
Eid al-Adha prayer, known as Eid Salah, is a special congregational prayer performed shortly after sunrise. It consists of two rak'ahs with additional Takbirs and is followed by a khutbah (sermon) delivered by the imam.
What are the Sunnah practices of Eid al-Adha?
Common Sunnah practices of Eid al-Adha include reciting Takbir, attending Eid prayer early, wearing clean or best clothes, offering Qurbani after the prayer, taking different routes to and from prayer, and increasing remembrance of Allah and charitable acts.
How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha around the world?
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha with Eid prayers, Qurbani, family gatherings, festive meals, charity, and community events. Cultural traditions vary by region, but the core values of faith, sacrifice, gratitude, and generosity remain the same.
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