Eid-ul-Adha
Also known as: Bakrid · Eid-ul-Zuha
The festival of sacrifice — and of dividing what you have into three shares.
Why is Eid-ul-Adha celebrated?
Eid-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice what he loved most in obedience to God — and God’s mercy in substituting a ram. It coincides with the Haj pilgrimage’s completion. Its central discipline is distribution: the qurbani meat is divided into three parts — family, relatives and friends, and the poor — making generosity a structural rule, not an afterthought.
The story behind Eid-ul-Adha
Ibrahim dreamt repeatedly that God asked for the sacrifice of his son Ismail. Father and son both submitted; as the knife fell, God replaced Ismail with a ram — the test was of the heart, not the blood. The rites of Haj — including the stoning of the pillars where Shaitan tempted Ibrahim to disobey — walk pilgrims through the same story.
How Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated
The day begins with the Eid congregational prayer; the qurbani (goat, sheep or other permitted animal) follows, with meat distributed in thirds; homes cook biryani, korma and kaleji; visiting, Eidi and hospitality continue up to three days.
Eid-ul-Adha across India
In India the festival is commonly called Bakrid. Cities designate qurbani norms and timings; Kerala and Hyderabad have distinct feast tables; for Haj pilgrims from every Indian city, this Eid completes the journey of a lifetime.
Eid-ul-Adha in housing societies
Societies coordinate practical matters respectfully — designated timings and hygiene for qurbani where permitted, or families using authorised offsite services — and share the feast: many Muslim households send dawat portions across the corridor. A society iftar-style Bakrid dinner keeps the mixed-community thread strong.
Frequently asked questions
What does the sacrifice commemorate?
Ibrahim’s willingness to give up what he loved most at God’s command — and God’s substitution of a ram. The ritual honours total trust, and its meat must be shared in thirds.
How is Bakrid connected to Haj?
It falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, as pilgrims at Mecca complete the central rites of Haj — the world’s Muslims celebrate in step with the pilgrimage.
What are the three shares of qurbani?
One-third for one’s own family, one-third for relatives and friends, one-third for the poor — distribution is a required part of the rite itself.