Bakra Eid: Date, significance and history

Bakra Eid or Eid Ul-Adha is celebrated on every 10^th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is marked by special prayers on the first day of the festival early in the morning. Bakra Eid lasts for about three days. Muslims across the world celebrate it by sacrificing an animal and feast on it to celebrate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim towards God and God’s compassion towards him.

ALSO READ | Benefits of fasting: Scientists reveal new facts

It is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year and considered the holier of the two. The festival marks the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca - a pilgrimage all Muslims must make at least once in their lifetimes. 

Story of the sacrifice

This festival is a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s great test of obedience to Allah. Once Ibrahim saw a dream in which Allah ordered him to sacrifice his most precious thing. He kept seeing the dream for many days. Then he described the dream to his wife that Allah wants him to sacrifice his most precious thing. 

After much discussion, Prophet Ibrahim and his wife decided to sacrifice their only son for the sake of Allah because their son was most precious for both of them. Then he asked his son, Ismail for his consent. Ismail readily agreed to be sacrificed for the sake of Allah. 

Prophet Ibrahim was all set to sacrifice his son at the gallows. As he put the sword at his son’s throat, Prophet Ismail disappeared and he was replaced by a sheep. Then there was a prophecy that Allah was only testing Ibrahim’s faith. He need not sacrifice his son and he could sacrifice a ram or a sheep instead.

ALSO READ | Over 1.28 lakh Indians' pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Bakra Eid 2018 date:

This year Bakra Eid will be celebrated on August 23. "All central government administrative offices located at Delhi/New Delhi shall remain closed on 23rd August, 2018 on account of Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) holiday (in place of 22nd August, 2018)," the Department of Personnel and Training said in the statement.