Understanding Eid-ul-Zuha: Its History and Why It Is Celebrated

Quick answer: Eid-ul-Zuha (also spelled Eid-ul-Adha or Id-ul-Zuha, and called Bakrid or Bakra Eid in India) is the Islamic "Festival of Sacrifice". Muslims celebrate it on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to remember Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) readiness to obey Allah by sacrificing his beloved son, and to mark the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage.

If you are a student preparing for an essay, a school project or simply trying to understand a festival your classmates and neighbours celebrate, this guide gives you everything in one place: the meaning, the history, the reasons, the rituals, the dates for 2017 and 2018, and the lessons behind it. It is part of our student-friendly blogs, updated with 2017 facts.

What Is Eid-ul-Zuha? A Simple Definition

Eid-ul-Zuha is one of the two major festivals in Islam, alongside Eid-ul-Fitr. It falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It honours Prophet Ibrahim's obedience, is observed with a special Eid prayer, and involves Qurbani (sacrifice) and sharing meat with others.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Meaning: "Eid" means festival or recurring celebration; "Adha" (or "Zuha") relates to sacrifice and the forenoon hours when the festival begins.

• Islamic date: 10 Dhul Hijjah, and the celebration continues for about three days.

• Linked to: The Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah and the story of Prophet Ibrahim.

• Main acts: Eid prayer, Qurbani, charity, family gatherings and gratitude.

Eid-ul-Zuha Meaning and Its Different Names

What Does Eid-ul-Zuha Mean?

The phrase combines "Eid" (festival) with "Zuha" or "Adha", words connected with sacrifice and with the bright morning hours of Eid day. This is why the festival is described as the "Feast of Sacrifice". It teaches that real devotion means being willing to give up something dear for a higher purpose.

Other Names You Will Hear

• Eid-ul-Adha / Eid al-Adha: The most widely used Arabic form worldwide.

• Bakrid or Bakra Eid: Common across India, because goats (bakra) are widely used for Qurbani.

• Id-ul-Zuha: The spelling used in many Indian government holiday notices.

History of Eid-ul-Zuha: The Story Behind the Festival

The history of Eid-ul-Zuha begins with Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded in a dream to sacrifice his son. Both father and son submitted to the command. Just before the act, Allah replaced the son with a ram. This story of faith, patience and mercy is why Muslims perform Qurbani every year.

The Story of Prophet Ibrahim and His Son

The Quran recounts this story in Surah As-Saffat (Chapter 37). Ibrahim had waited many years for a child. When his son grew old enough to walk beside him, Ibrahim saw in a dream that he was being asked to sacrifice him. Prophets' dreams are a form of divine instruction, so Ibrahim took it seriously.

The Test of Obedience

Ibrahim shared the dream with his son. The son replied calmly that his father should do as commanded and that he would be patient. Islamic tradition, and the majority of scholars, identify this son as Ismail (Ishmael), although the Quran does not name him in this passage. Both submitted fully to Allah's will.

Divine Mercy and the Ram

As Ibrahim prepared to carry out the command, Allah called out to him and declared that he had already fulfilled the vision. A ram was provided as a ransom in place of the son. The test was never about harming a child; it was about whether love for Allah would rise above even the deepest attachment.

Hajar, Ismail and the Well of Zamzam

The festival is also tied to Ibrahim's family. Ibrahim's wife Hajar (Hagar) and baby Ismail were left in the barren valley of Makkah by divine instruction. Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa searching for water, and the spring of Zamzam appeared near Ismail. Pilgrims still walk between Safa and Marwa during Hajj in her memory.

How It Became an Annual Festival

After the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah, Eid prayers and the practice of Qurbani were established, around the second year after Hijra (about 624 CE). Since then, Muslims worldwide have observed the festival every year, linking today's believers to a tradition thousands of years old.

Why Is Eid-ul-Zuha Celebrated? 6 Core Reasons

Eid-ul-Zuha is celebrated to honour Ibrahim's obedience, to complete the Hajj season, and to practise charity and gratitude. It is not a festival of animals or food alone; it is a festival of values.

• Obedience and trust in Allah: Remembering Ibrahim's complete submission.

• Willingness to sacrifice: Giving up comfort, ego or wealth for a greater good.

• Charity and sharing: Meat and food reach families who may not afford them regularly.

• Completion of Hajj: Pilgrims in Makkah finish their major rites on this day.

• Unity of the Muslim community: People pray, eat and celebrate together across all backgrounds.

• Gratitude: Thanking Allah for blessings, health and family.

The Quran also explains that Allah does not receive the meat or blood of the sacrifice; what reaches Him is sincerity and God-consciousness (taqwa). That is why scholars repeatedly stress intention over show.

Eid-ul-Zuha and Hajj: What Is the Connection?

Eid-ul-Zuha is celebrated on the final major day of Hajj. Pilgrims stand at Mount Arafat on 9 Dhul Hijjah, spend the night at Muzdalifah, and on 10 Dhul Hijjah perform the stoning rite and Qurbani at Mina. Muslims everywhere join them in spirit by celebrating Eid.

Hajj 2017 in Numbers

According to Saudi authorities, about 2.35 million pilgrims took part in Hajj in 2017 (1438 AH). Roughly 1.75 million came from outside Saudi Arabia and about 600,000 were from within the Kingdom, including about 1.33 million men and 1.01 million women. Indonesia, Pakistan and India sent the largest contingents. The Day of Arafah fell on 31 August 2017, and Saudi Arabia celebrated Eid on 1 September.

Eid-ul-Zuha 2017 and 2018 Dates

In 2017, Eid-ul-Zuha was celebrated on 1 September in Saudi Arabia and on 2 September in India, Pakistan and Iran. The difference arose from local moon sighting, which determines the start of Dhul Hijjah.

When Is Eid-ul-Zuha in 2018?

Eid-ul-Zuha 2018 is expected around 21 to 22 August 2018, depending on the moon sighting. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the festival moves roughly 10 to 11 days earlier every year, so it falls in a different season over time.

Why Moon Sighting Causes Date Differences

In 2017, most of the world observed Eid on 1 September based on the global sighting of the crescent, while India, Pakistan and Iran celebrated on 2 September based on regional moon sighting.

Businesses, schools and event planners often build their calendars around such dates. If you run a shop or service and want to publish festival-ready content in time, a trusted digital marketing partner can help you plan campaigns weeks ahead.

How Eid-ul-Zuha Is Observed: Step-by-Step Rituals

Before Eid: The First Nine Days of Dhul Hijjah

• Muslims increase prayer, Quran recitation, charity and remembrance of Allah.

• Many fast on the Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah) if they are not on Hajj.

• Takbir (Allahu Akbar) is recited frequently; takbir-e-tashreeq is recited after obligatory prayers from the morning of 9 Dhul Hijjah until the afternoon of 13 Dhul Hijjah, with minor differences between schools of thought.

On Eid Day: How to Celebrate

1. Wake early and bathe (ghusl) and wear clean or new clothes, using perfume if desired.

2. Go to the Eid prayer at the mosque or eidgah. It consists of two rakats with additional takbirs, followed by a sermon (khutbah).

3. Greet each other with "Eid Mubarak" and a hug.

4. Perform Qurbani after the prayer, not before it.

5. Distribute the meat and visit relatives, neighbours and friends.

6. Share a family meal and remember those in need.

Eid Greetings and Social Sharing

Today, many families send Eid greetings through WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook. Brands and schools do the same, which is why social media optimization becomes especially active during festival weeks.

Rules of Qurbani: What Students Should Know

Qurbani is the sacrifice of a permitted animal during the days of Eid-ul-Adha, offered in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim and for the pleasure of Allah. The meat is not a ritual offering to be wasted; it is meant to feed family, friends and people in need.

Who Performs Qurbani?

Eligibility

In the Hanafi school, which many Indian Muslims follow, Qurbani is obligatory for adult Muslims who possess wealth above the nisab threshold. Other schools of thought regard it as a strongly emphasised Sunnah. Because opinions differ, readers should ask a qualified local scholar about their own situation.

Permitted Animals and Conditions

• Goat or sheep: Generally at least one year old.

• Cow or buffalo: At least two years old.

• Camel: At least five years old.

• The animal must be healthy and free from clear defects such as blindness or severe lameness.

Timing

Qurbani is performed after the Eid prayer, from 10 Dhul Hijjah until sunset on 12 Dhul Hijjah in most schools, while some extend it to the 13th.

Distribution of Meat

A widely recommended practice is to divide the meat into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor. This is a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

A Note on Responsible Practice

Islam emphasises kindness to the animal, a sharp knife, no cruelty and a clean environment. Follow local municipal guidelines on where and how sacrifice is carried out.

Finding Services Near You

Families often search online for "Qurbani near me" or "Eid shopping near me". Local businesses that optimise their search engine optimization and Google Business Profile are more likely to show up in these searches.

Eid-ul-Zuha vs Eid-ul-Fitr: Key Differences

How Eid-ul-Zuha Is Celebrated in India and Delhi

India has one of the world's largest Muslim populations, and Bakrid is a public holiday in many states. In Delhi NCR, large congregations gather at the historic Jama Masjid and neighbourhood mosques and eidgahs across West Delhi, including areas such as Dwarka and Uttam Nagar.

Traditional Eid Foods

• Mutton biryani and mutton korma

• Kheer, shahi tukda and other desserts

Eid and Local Business

Festival weeks bring demand for clothing, gifts, groceries, sweets, travel and hospitality. This is why retail, travel and education brands rely on a strong digital marketing company in Delhi. A digital marketing agency in Dwarka, for example, can help a neighbourhood boutique or sweet shop reach people searching nearby.

Lessons Students Can Learn from Eid-ul-Zuha

• Discipline and obedience: Doing the right thing even when it is difficult.

• Generosity: Sharing what you have with others.

• Respect for diversity: Knowing why your friends celebrate what they celebrate.

5 Exam-Ready Points for Your Essay

1. Eid-ul-Zuha is celebrated on 10 Dhul Hijjah.

2. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.

3. Allah replaced the son with a ram.

4. Qurbani meat is shared with family, relatives and the poor.

5. It coincides with the end of Hajj.

Tips for Writing a Strong Essay

Start with a one-line definition, then history, reasons, rituals and a moral. Clear headings and short paragraphs are also the habit behind strong content writing.

What Eid-ul-Zuha Teaches Us About the Digital World

Festivals show how people search, shop and connect online. Students who understand this early can turn it into a career skill.

For Students Curious About Careers

If you enjoy writing, social media or design, a digital marketing course teaches practical skills such as SEO, content planning, social media and ad campaigns. Festival seasons like Eid are real-world examples of how these skills work together.

For Small Businesses and Institutes

• Fast, trustworthy websites: Good web design builds trust when customers visit before a festival.

• Mobile-first performance: Reliable web development keeps product pages and booking forms working under heavy traffic.

• Local visibility: Updating your Google Business Profile with festival timings helps nearby customers.

• Respectful messaging: Greetings should be sincere and sensitive to the religious meaning of the day.

If you want similar support for your own brand in Dwarka Mor or anywhere in Delhi NCR, you can contact us for a free consultation.

Conclusion

Eid-ul-Zuha is far more than a holiday. It is a living reminder of Prophet Ibrahim's faith, Hajar's perseverance, Ismail's patience and Allah's mercy. Its core message is simple: real devotion means being ready to give up what you love most for what is right, and to share your blessings with others. In 2017, about 2.35 million pilgrims completed Hajj while Muslims across the world marked Eid, and the next celebration is expected around 21 to 22 August 2018.

Whether you are a student writing an essay, a parent explaining the festival to a child, or a business owner planning thoughtful festive content, understanding the history and purpose of Eid-ul-Zuha helps you celebrate and communicate with respect. For more guides like this, explore our latest blogs, and if you want to grow your brand with ethical, results-focused digital marketing, get in touch with AMICI.

Eid Mubarak in advance to all readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is Eid-ul-Zuha celebrated?

Eid-ul-Zuha is celebrated to remember Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, and to mark the end of Hajj. Muslims perform Qurbani, share the meat with family, neighbours and the poor, and spend the day in prayer and gratitude.

Q. When is Eid-ul-Zuha in 2018?

Eid-ul-Zuha 2018 is expected around 21 to 22 August 2018, subject to moon sighting. In 2017, it was celebrated on 2 September in India and on 1 September in Saudi Arabia. Dates shift about 10 to 11 days earlier each year.

Q. What is the difference between Eid-ul-Zuha and Bakrid?

There is no difference. Eid-ul-Zuha, Eid-ul-Adha, Id-ul-Zuha, Bakrid and Bakra Eid are all names for the same festival. "Bakrid" is simply the common Indian name, derived from the goat (bakra) often used for Qurbani.

Q. Why do Muslims sacrifice animals on Eid-ul-Zuha?

Muslims sacrifice an animal in remembrance of Allah replacing Ibrahim's son with a ram. The act symbolises obedience, sacrifice and sharing. The meat is usually divided into three parts for family, relatives and the needy.

Q. How many days is Eid-ul-Zuha celebrated?

Eid-ul-Zuha is celebrated for about three days, from 10 to 12 Dhul Hijjah. The first day includes the Eid prayer and Qurbani, while the following days are for continued Qurbani, family visits and charity.