Eid al-Adha 2024 Traditions: Know all about Bakrid Rituals, Meaning, Spiritual Importance of Sacrifice

Beyond the festival’s pageantry, faith, henna-painted hands, shopping, morals, stylish ethnic attire and universal spirit of brotherhood, Eid Al-Adha or Bakrid, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a festival when Muslims around the world commemorate the profound act of sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) AS and his willingness to offer up his son as an act of submission to Allah (God). Bakrid is the second most important Islamic festival for Muslims and the traditions associated with Eid Al-Adha have deep meaning and importance, emphasizing the values ​​of faith, selflessness and gratitude.

Eid al-Adha Traditions:

The traditions associated with Eid Al-Adha emphasize the values ​​of sacrifice, selflessness, gratitude and compassion for others. By participating in the rituals and embodying these values, Muslims not only strengthen their connection to Allah, but also foster unity, generosity and empathy within their community. Eid Al-Adha is therefore a time of celebration, reflection and a renewed commitment to living a life of faith and service to others.

Eid al-Adha traditions common to Muslims around the world include:

1. A central ritual of Eid al-Adha involves the sacrifice of animals such as sheep, goats, cows and camels, symbolizing Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son and serving as a reminder of the importance of selflessness and obedience in the face of adversity.
2. The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided into three portions – one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the less fortunate – ensuring that the act of sacrifice goes beyond the individual or family to benefit the wider community.
3. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims gather in mosques or places of worship for a special communal prayer called the Eid prayer. The prayer is led by an imam and includes specific supplications, praise for Allah’s blessings, and acknowledgment of the importance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The imam often delivers a sermon emphasizing the lesson of sacrifice and emphasizing the importance of submission to God and compassion for others.
4. Eid Al Adha is a time of joy and celebration, bringing families and communities together, people donning their finest attire and exchanging warm greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak’ (Blessed Eid).
5. It is a time of forgiveness, reconciliation and strengthening bonds with loved ones, so families participate in charity drives, give gifts and share meals together.
6. Many Muslims also visit the graves of their deceased loved ones to offer prayers and seek blessings on the dead.

Eid Al-Adha emphasises the spirit of generosity and charity and Muslims are encouraged to support those in need by providing food, clothing and financial assistance, while the act of sharing sacrificial meat with the less fortunate fosters compassion and solidarity, reminding individuals of their responsibility to care for the vulnerable in society.

The Meaning and Importance of Sacrifice:

The origins of Eid al-Adha date back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who received a divine command to sacrifice his son as a test of his loyalty to Allah. As Ibrahim prepared to make the sacrifice, Allah intervened and offered a ram in his place, proving that his willingness to obey Allah’s command was sufficient.

This act of sacrifice embodies unwavering faith, trust and submission to God. On Eid al-Adha, the act of sacrifice has deep meaning and importance for Muslims. It symbolizes and commemorates the ultimate act of dedication and submission to Allah (God) shown by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).

• Submission to Allah: The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son following Allah’s command illustrates the importance of complete submission and obedience to God’s will. The act of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritise their faith and trust in Allah above all else.
• Lessons of Sacrifice: Eid al-Adha is a reminder of the profound lessons learned from the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. The festival encourages Muslims to embody the value of sacrifice in their daily lives, sacrificing their own desires, egos and material possessions to please Allah and benefit others.
• Trust and Faith: Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering trust in Allah’s plan and willingness to sacrifice his son demonstrate the depth of his faith. Eid al-Adha emphasises the importance of having absolute trust in Allah’s wisdom, even in situations that may seem difficult and incomprehensible.
• Gratitude and Memorial: The act of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha is a sign of gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings and bounty. Muslims show their gratitude by sacrificing an animal and sharing its meat with family, friends and those less fortunate. The practice reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have received and to be mindful of the needs of others.
• Selflessness and Generosity: The sacrifices of Eid al-Adha reflect the values ​​of selflessness and generosity. Muslims are encouraged to share the meat of the sacrificed animal with those in need, fostering compassion, empathy and solidarity within the community. The act reminds individuals to prioritize the happiness and well-being of others, especially those less fortunate.
• Atonement and Spiritual Cleansing: The act of sacrifice is also seen as a means of seeking forgiveness and spiritual purification: by sacrificing an animal, Muslims acknowledge their own shortcomings and sins, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and strive for a new sense of purity and righteousness.
• Unity and Brotherhood: Eid al-Adha promotes unity and fraternity among Muslims. The ritual sacrifice is performed communally and the meat is shared with family, friends and the wider community. The practice strengthens bonds, promotes social cohesion and reminds individuals of their shared responsibility towards one another.

In summary, the meaning and importance of sacrifice in Eid al-Adha includes submission to Allah, trust and faith, gratitude, selflessness, generosity, penance, unity, and the embodiment of important moral values. Through the act of sacrifice, Muslims seek to strengthen their relationship with Allah, demonstrate their devotion, and foster a spirit of compassion and empathy towards all members of the community.