When is Eid-ul-Adha 2024? Bakrid History, Significance, Rules, Importance and all you need to know

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most important and celebrated days for the Muslim community all over the world. One thing to remember of Eid-ul-Adha is that there is no fixed date every year when it will be celebrated and depends on the moon sighting.
Usually, Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated first in the Gulf regions and then in India and South Asia.
This year, in 2024, it is said that Eid al-Adha will begin on the evening of Sunday, June 16.
The history of Eid al-Adha dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim. According to tradition, it is said Allah ordered Ibrahim, through his dreams, to sacrifice his beloved son Ishmael.
This was a test of Ibraham’s faith and obedience to God’s will. And then, despite his deep love for his son, Ibraham was prepared to obey the command he got. But, just when he was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened again, pleased by his devotion and will to obey and provided a ram for sacrifice instead.
This act of sheer devotion and Ibrahim’s will to obey the commands, no matter what they were, are the reason for observing Bakrid.
The day of Eid-ul-Adha is nothing short of a celebration, but also extremely religious and sacred.

The day of Eid-ul-Adha is like a reminder of the ultimate act of obedience and faith in God. It was Ibraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son that revealed his devotion and his faith in God’s plan. Plus, during Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims all over the world do not just sacrifice an animal, but also their bad habits and traits and start a new chapter in their life.
Also, Eid-ul-Adha comes at the end of the Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. So, post Hajj, Bakrid becomes the perfect opportunity for Muslims all around the world to do charity and feed those in need.
During and before Eid-ul-Adha, people follow many rules and perform many rituals. And while the minute details differ in families and communities all over the world, the general rules followed during Bakrid are -
Regular prayer
On Eid-ul-Adha, the day starts with a special prayer called the Eid Salah, carried out with other people from the community and those who live close. This is usually done in mosques or open fields, and the direction of their body faces the direction of Mecca.
The sacrifice

The reason that people observe Eid-ul-Adha is to mark a father’s willingness to slaughter his beloved child because he thought it was the ‘will of God’. And God’s belief in him that he did not let Ismail be sacrificed and instead sent a ram.
The meat from the sacrifice is then split into 3 parts: one is given to the poor and needy, one is shared with spouse and children, and one is kept for the family.
Distributing food
Post the sacrifice and prayers, people distribute food and the meat. The charity done with food has always taught people and children the importance of sharing and caring for those who are less fortunate and might be able to afford an animal to sacrifice.
No matter what financial status, everybody gets a share of the food and offering.
Importance of Eid-ul-Adha
A festival, no matter of which community or religion, holds a special place in their heart. It is important to them and the time spent during the celebration or observation is priceless. So, the importance of the festival comes in many ways -
Brings families together
Another thing that is followed or one can say observed during the Bakrid time is that families always come together to share the joy, sorrows, and blessings. Traditional dishes are prepared, prayers are done in large communities and numbers, and there is just an environment of festivity.
A day to look back
Just like any other human who is celebrating or observing something that holds meaning to them, during Eid-ul-Adha Muslims too look back on the year that has passed or the Hajj that they have undertaken. It is the perfect time to be thankful, positive, and more welcoming to new experiences and opportunities.