Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, also known as Bakrid or the festival of sacrifice, is approaching. The exact date of this festival is determined according to the Islamic lunar calendar, on the tenth day of the month of Dhul Hijjah. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the commencement of an Islamic month depends on the sighting of the new moon. This year, Muslims worldwide are looking towards the sky, as the new moon is expected to be sighted today in Saudi Arabia and several other countries.
The New Moon and its Significance
In the Islamic calendar, the beginning of a new month is marked by the sighting of the crescent moon. Therefore, the date of religious holidays like Eid-ul-Adha is determined only after the moon's visibility is confirmed. There is a possibility of sighting the new moon on June 27th in Mecca and Medina, Islam's holiest cities. The Saudi Arabian Supreme Court announced on Sunday that a search for the moon will be conducted on Tuesday night. If the moon is sighted, Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated the following day.
According to Islamic tradition, the festival date is announced nationwide only after the sighting of the moon is confirmed. The sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia holds particular significance as it signals the official commencement of Eid-ul-Adha, a sacred day for the Islamic world.
Religious Significance of Bakrid
Eid-ul-Adha is called the festival of sacrifice because it commemorates the trial of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his willingness to sacrifice his son. On this day, Muslims sacrifice an animal (goat, sheep, cow, or camel) as an act of devotion. The meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed among the needy, promoting unity, equality, and compassion within society.
This festival holds such profound religious significance that Muslims worldwide celebrate it with great devotion and enthusiasm. Celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, this Eid also coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam.
Bakrid Date in India
The festival of Bakrid is celebrated with great fanfare in India as well. While the date of Eid in India depends on the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia, slight variations may occur in different parts of the country based on local moon sightings. This year, Bakrid is expected to be celebrated on June 7th or 8th in most parts of India, but an official announcement will be made only after moonsighting confirmation.
Religious organizations and Mufti boards have also turned their gaze to the sky awaiting the moon's announcement. Special programs will be organized in major cities to observe the moon, and the final decision will be taken after a meeting of Islamic religious leaders.
The Moon Sighting Process
The Saudi Arabian Supreme Court has specifically instructed individuals monitoring the sky to search for the moon on Tuesday night and immediately report to the court if sighted. This process is traditionally followed throughout the Islamic world to ensure that the festival date is announced accurately and timely.
This also ensures that all Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha on the same day, maintaining religious unity. Upon confirmation of the moon sighting from Saudi Arabia, Muslims worldwide share this joyous occasion.
Preparations for Eid-ul-Adha 2025 are at their peak. With the possibility of the new moon being sighted today in Saudi Arabia, Muslims worldwide eagerly await the festival. In India and several other countries, the date of Bakrid will be announced after the moon sighting. This festival is not only a symbol of religious faith but also strengthens the spirit of social brotherhood and charity.
