Eid ul Adha 2024, also known as Bakra Eid 2024, is a significant festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide in remembrance of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) in obedience to Allah. This year, Eid ul Adha is expected to be celebrated on Sunday, June 16, 2024. The festival falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic Calendar. Muslims commemorate this event by slaughtering a lamb, sheep, goat, or camel to honor the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) but also to emphasize unity, faith, and sacrifice in Islam.
The rituals surrounding Eid al Adha are deeply rooted in Islamic history and tradition. Muslims observe the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah as the best days of the year, emphasizing good deeds and fasting on the day of Arafah for the forgiveness of sins. The actual celebration of Eid al Adha takes place on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, where animals are sacrificed over a period of two to four days.
The festival is marked by various rituals and practices, including waking up early, performing ablutions, wearing clean and festive attire, reciting prayers, and refraining from fasting. The Eid prayer, which consists of two Rak’at, is conducted without the call to prayer and followed by a sermon. Muslims exchange greetings such as ‘Eid Mubarak’ to convey their well-wishes and joy for the occasion.
One of the central aspects of Eid ul Adha is the act of sacrifice, known as Qurbani. Muslims are required to follow specific rules while sacrificing an animal, including the dates of the sacrifice, the type of animal to be used, the method of slaughtering, and the distribution of the meat among family, neighbors, and the less fortunate.
The spirit of Eid ul Adha extends beyond regional boundaries, with Muslims from different countries coming together to celebrate the festival. From Pakistan to Indonesia, Bangladesh to Egypt, and even in Western countries, Muslims commemorate Eid ul Adha with prayers, communal gatherings, charity programs, and cultural activities.
Overall, Eid ul Adha serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, unity, and sacrifice inherent in Islam. It is a time for Muslims to reaffirm their faith, strengthen their bond with Allah, and share the blessings of the festival with those in need. As Muslims worldwide come together to observe Eid ul Adha 2024, the spirit of devotion, generosity, and solidarity prevails, reflecting the essence of this auspicious occasion.
