Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide. In 2025, Bakrid will be observed in India on Saturday, June 7, following the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah . This date may vary in other countries due to differences in lunar sightings; for instance, Saudi Arabia and some Middle Eastern nations will celebrate it a day earlier, on June 6 .
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| Bakrid 2025 |
The festival commemorates the unwavering faith and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. As he prepared to make the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. This act symbolizes the importance of faith, obedience, and sacrifice in Islam.
On Bakrid, Muslims begin the day with a special prayer known as the Eid namaz, typically performed in open grounds or mosques shortly after sunrise. The timing of the prayer is usually about 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise, allowing worshippers to perform their dawn (Fajr) prayer beforehand .
A central ritual of Bakrid is the Qurbani, or the sacrificial offering of an animal such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one-third is retained by the family, one-third is given to relatives and friends, and the remaining third is distributed to the poor and needy. This practice underscores the values of charity, community, and compassion .
Bakrid also marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims who are physically and financially able undertake this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. The festival serves as a time for Muslims to come together in prayer, reflection, and celebration, reinforcing their faith and commitment to the principles of Islam.
In India, Bakrid is a gazetted holiday, meaning government offices, schools, and many businesses remain closed to allow the Muslim community to observe the festival. In Kerala, the state government has officially rescheduled the Bakrid holiday to Saturday, June 7, 2025, to align with the confirmed date of the festival .
As Bakrid approaches, Muslims across India and around the world prepare to honor this sacred occasion through prayer, sacrifice, and acts of generosity, embodying the spirit of devotion and unity that the festival represents.
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