Eid Ul-Adha 2025: All You Need To Know About Why Animals Are Sacrificed On This Auspicious Day

Eid Ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most sacred festivals in Islam. It carries profound spiritual significance and brings together millions of Muslims worldwide in faith, compassion, and community. The festival is celebrated with heartfelt devotion and generous acts of charity, featuring grand prayers, family gatherings, and the symbolic tradition of animal sacrifice.

This revered festival is one of the most prominent festivals of Islam and it is celebrated globally. On this auspicious day, take a look at the story behind animal sacrifice on this day.

Why are animals sacrificed on this day?

On this auspicious day, animals are sacrificed to commemorate the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the biblical tradition). According to Islam, Prophet Ibrahim dreamed that God commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail, as a test of faith and obedience. Devoted to the Super Good, Ibrahim blindfolded himself and prepared to follow God's command by sacrificing his son.

Just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God sent an angel who replaced Ismail with a sheep. The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha honors this story and reflects Ibrahim's willingness to obey God's command, even at the cost of his beloved son.

When will Eid Ul-Adha be celebrated?

The date of Bakrid varies each year and is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar. It falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, following the sighting of the crescent moon. In 2025, the crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah was sighted in Saudi Arabia on May 27. As a result, Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on June 6 in Saudi Arabia. In India, where moon sightings often occur a day later, Bakrid will be observed on June 7, 2025.

Eid Ul-Adha celebrations

On this auspicious day, Muslims visit mosques to seek the blessings of Allah and attend special prayers. People wear new clothes, visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and share festive meals.