Eid ul-Adha 2024 Date: Bakra Eid Celebrations in Saudi Arabia, India, UAE, US, UK, and Worldwide

As the Zul Hijjah/Dhul Hijjah month of the Islamic lunar calendar approaches, Muslims around the globe eagerly anticipate the sacred festival of Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, or Bakhreid. This annual celebration, which falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, holds immense significance in Islamic culture, marking Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion to Allah.

Eid ul-Adha is the second major Islamic festival, following Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This occasion is characterized by various rituals and acts of devotion, all carried out on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, following the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

This festival is a time of immense joy, unity, and gratitude for Muslims worldwide. Families come together, communities gather, and meticulous preparations ensue days in advance. Muslims dress in their finest attire, attend special congregational prayers at mosques or outdoor prayer grounds, and exchange heartfelt greetings with loved ones.

The central sermon during Eid-ul-Adha prayers emphasizes the values of sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for others. A pivotal ritual of this occasion is qurbani, the sacrificial offering of an animal, symbolizing Prophet Ibrahim’s profound devotion and selflessness. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts, reflecting the spirit of sharing and generosity within communities.

Beyond its religious and social significance, Eid ul-Adha imparts profound moral and ethical lessons, reminding Muslims of the values of sacrifice, obedience, gratitude, and caring for others. Acts of charity are encouraged during this time, reinforcing the importance of community, empathy, and the spirit of sharing.

Eid ul-Adha serves as a time for reflection and spiritual renewal, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity among people from diverse backgrounds. It strengthens the bonds within families and communities, encouraging acts of kindness and generosity, in line with the core principles of Islam.

This year, Muslims in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and other Arab states, alongside the UK, US, and Canada, will eagerly await the sighting of the Eid-ul-Adha crescent moon on the evening of the 29th of the Hijri calendar month Dhul Qa’adah. If spotted, celebrations will commence on June 16, 2024 (Dhul Hijjah 10), while the Day of Arafat will be observed on June 15, 2024 (Dhul Hijjah 9).

For Muslims in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Sultanate of Brunei, and other South Asian nations, the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah will be sought on June 07, 2024. Eid-ul-Adha in these countries will be celebrated on June 17, 2024, if the moon is sighted, or on June 18, 2024, if it is not.

The commencement of the Islamic month of Dhu Al-Hijjah marks the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of Islam’s five pillars, culminating in Eid Al Adha on the tenth day. While astronomical calculations suggest the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah is unlikely to be spotted on June 06, 2024, Muslims worldwide eagerly anticipate the forthcoming celebrations with anticipation and reverence.