Eid al-Adha, Bakrid, Id ul Zuha, Qurban: What Is the Difference?

As the sacred Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah approaches, Muslims across the globe prepare for the second major festival in the Islamic calendar. But depending on where you are in the world, or who you are speaking to, you might hear this joyous occasion referred to by several different names: Eid al-Adha, Bakrid, Id ul Zuha, or the time of Qurban.

For young Muslims growing up in a globally connected world, or for non-Muslims looking to learn more about Islamic traditions, this variety of terminology can sometimes be confusing. Are these entirely different festivals? Do they involve different practices?

The short answer is: No. They all refer to the exact same Islamic festival. The different names simply highlight the beautiful linguistic and cultural diversity of the global Muslim Ummah (community).

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the difference between Eid al-Adha and Bakrid, explore the meanings of Id ul Zuha and Qurban, and dive deep into the origins of these beautiful terms.

The Origins: The Story Behind the Festival

To understand the names, we must first understand the event they celebrate.

All these terms commemorate a singular, monumental event in Islamic history: the unwavering faith and ultimate submission of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him (AS).

According to Islamic tradition, Allah (God) commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael) (AS). Despite the unimaginable heartbreak this would cause, both father and son submitted to the will of Allah. Just as Ibrahim (AS) was about to perform the sacrifice, Allah intervened, replacing Ismail (AS) with a ram.

This profound test of faith is the cornerstone of the festival. Muslims around the world honour this devotion by sacrificing a livestock animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) and distributing the meat to family, friends, and most importantly, those in need.

Now, let’s explore how different cultures have named this day of sacrifice.

What is Eid al-Adha? (The Standard Arabic Term)

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى‎) is the official and most universally recognised Arabic name for the festival.

• Eid: Translates to “festival,” “celebration,” or “feast.”
• Al-Adha: Derives from the Arabic root word for “sacrifice.”

Therefore, Eid al-Adha literally translates to the “Festival of Sacrifice.”

This is the term used in the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). It is the most common term used across the Middle East, North Africa, and increasingly in Western countries among English-speaking Muslims. When Islamic organisations, international news outlets like Al Jazeera, and global scholars speak of the holiday, they predominantly use “Eid al-Adha.”

What is Bakrid? (The South Asian Adaptation)

If you are speaking to someone from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, you are highly likely to hear the term Bakrid (or Bakr-Id).

So, what is the difference between Eid al-Adha and Bakrid? Strictly speaking, there is no difference in the religious observance; the difference is entirely linguistic and regional.

The word “Bakrid” has two popular etymological explanations in the Indian subcontinent:

1. The Urdu/Hindi Connection: In Urdu and Hindi, the word Bakra means “goat.” Since goats are the most common animals sacrificed in the subcontinent due to regional availability and cost, the festival naturally became known as “Bakr-Id” or “The Goat Eid.”
2. The Arabic Root Connection: Some linguists suggest that the term originally stemmed from the Arabic word Baqarah, which means “cow.” Over centuries of linguistic blending in South Asia, Baqarah Eid was shortened and colloquially morphed into Bakrid.

Regardless of its exact linguistic journey, Bakrid is a culturally rich term that instantly evokes the sights and sounds of the bustling livestock markets across South Asia.

What is Id ul Zuha? (The Morning Sacrifice)

Another term commonly found in literature, government calendars (especially in India), and classical poetry is Id ul Zuha (or Eid al-Duha).

This term also has deep Arabic roots:

• Duha (or Zuha in South Asian pronunciation): Refers to the “morning light” or the period of the forenoon.

This name highlights the timing of the central act of the festival. The special Eid congregational prayer is performed in the early morning (Salatul Duha time), and the sacrifice of the animal must begin immediately after this morning prayer is completed. Therefore, Id ul Zuha beautifully translates to the “Festival of the Morning.”

What is Qurban vs. Udhiyah? (The Act Itself)

While Eid al-Adha, Bakrid, and Id ul Zuha refer to the festival day itself, the terms Qurban and Udhiyah refer to the action performed on those days.Udhiyah (The Islamic Legal Term)

In traditional Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), the sacrifice of the animal is called Udhiyah. This is the formal Arabic term denoting the specific animal slaughtered on the days of Eid al-Adha.Qurban (The Spiritual Term)

Qurban is an Arabic, Persian, and Urdu word derived from the Arabic root Qurb, which means “closeness” or “drawing near.”

This is arguably the most beautiful and profound term of them all. It reminds Muslims that the ultimate goal of sacrificing an animal is not about the meat or the blood, but about drawing closer to Allah through an act of obedience and charity.

As Allah explicitly states in the Quran: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.” (Quran 22:37)

So, while you celebrate Eid al-Adha or Bakrid, you perform Qurban.

Why Does the Muslim World Use Different Names?

Islam is not confined to one region or one culture. With nearly 2 billion Muslims spread across the globe, from the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula to the bustling streets of Jakarta, and the diverse suburbs of London and Sydney, the religion naturally intersects with local languages and customs.

The use of different terminology is a testament to how deeply Islamic practices are woven into the fabric of local cultures. It shows that while the core tenets of Islam remain absolutely unified, the expression of that faith can be uniquely localised.

At OnePath Network, we believe this diversity is something to be celebrated. Whether you call it Eid al-Adha, Bakrid, or Id ul Zuha, the unity of millions of Muslims worldwide standing in prayer and fulfilling their charitable obligations remains a powerful symbol of brotherhood and devotion.

One Message, Many Names

In summary, the difference between Eid al-Adha, Bakrid, Id ul Zuha, and Qurban comes down to language, geography, and context.

• Eid al-Adha is the universal Arabic name for the festival.
• Bakrid is the culturally localised term used in South Asia.
• Id ul Zuha highlights the morning time of the Eid prayer.
• Qurban refers to the spiritual act of sacrifice meant to draw us closer to Allah.

No matter which term you grew up using, the essence of the day remains the same: a profound celebration of faith, a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) incredible sacrifice, and a day of immense charity and community spirit.

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