Jun 29
Eid al-Adha
Thursday 10 Dhul Hijjah, 1444
Jun 29
Thursday 10 Dhul Hijjah, 1444
Eid Al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, is among the most sacred events in the Islamic calendar. It is a day that celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ to sacrifice his own son for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Each year, as this day approaches, it reminds Muslims about the deeper meaning that it holds.
It is not just any event that has been passed down through generations. This day provides Muslims a moment to think and reflect on their actions. It invites us to intellectualize whether we are really willing to give for the sake of what is right? Can we place Allah’s command over our own desires? And how can we practice the art of sacrificing and sharing in this world? Eid al-Adha is a festival that blends the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) with pleasurable celebration.
The literal meaning of ‘Adha’ is ‘sacrifice’. It is a celebration of the sacrifice made by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. His devotion towards Islam and Allah shaped the entire religion. It is a timeless story, a narrative that speaks about obedience. As a parent, it is utterly difficult to see your child in pain, let alone sacrifice him. Yet, when Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) tested Prophet Ibrahim by asking Him to sacrifice his son, his faith didn’t waver. He didn’t once question the decision of Almighty Allah and went ahead with it.
On the other hand, his son, Prophet Ismail عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, willingly submitted himself to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). The Almighty was so pleased with their readiness that He replaced the sacrifice with a ram. But Eid al-Adha is more than just a divine test; it is a powerful reminder to examine our sacrifices. It highlights the importance of giving up bad habits and the comfort zone for the greater good and spiritual growth.
Eid Al-Adha is typically celebrated on the tenth day of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e., Dhu ul Hijjah. The date of celebration depends on the sighting of the moon, followed by the completion of Hajj. This year, Eid Al-Adha is expected to fall on June 6th, 2025, according to the lunar calendar.
Eid Al-Adha is not directly connected to Hajj, but it falls just the day after the Hajj ends. Hajj is a beautiful act of worship which recalls the steps of the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. During this dedicated pilgrimage, Muslims follow the rites of Hajj that are essential in order to validate the Hajj. One of the rites is to make a sacrifice in the sacrificial house of Mecca and then perform Tawaf. For pilgrims, it is a required part to complete the Hajj.
Muslims all across the world take immense pleasure in celebrating Eid al-Adha. Every region and culture has its own customs and dishes that are made for this festival. Amidst all this, one thing that is communal is their spirit to honor the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ.
As the days of Eid al-Adha approach, people all around the world get busy purchasing the sacrificial animal. In the Muslim majority countries, there are proper cattle markets arranged for the buying of animals, including goat, sheep, cows, and camels. People visit these local markets ten or fifteen days prior to Eid and purchase the best animal as per their budget and according to Islamic rules.
It is a sunnah of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) to take care of the sacrificial animal. Thus, Muslims feed these animals and make sure that they’re healthy and kept in good condition till the Eid. In the Muslim minority countries, people willingly donate their share to foundations that do animal sacrifice on their account and distribute the meat among the needy and poor. It is a common practice that has been followed by Muslims who are living in different countries as a minority.
The day of Eid begins with the special congregational prayer known as ‘Salat al Eid’, held in open spaces or mosques. Muslims wear new and clean clothes to offer prayers. The prayer is held right after sunrise, and it is followed by a sermon emphasizing the importance of sacrifice, unity, and obedience towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). This Eid prayer unites the entire Muslim ummah in expressing gratitude and humility towards Allah. The prayer consists of two rakats and several Takbirs. After the prayer, people greet each other and exchange gifts to celebrate Eid.
The sunnah and a central rite of Eid al Adha is to perform Qurbani (sacrifice) of the animal. This act of sacrifice resonates with the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ to sacrifice his son. Muslims honor the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim by slaughtering cattle. The time for performing Qurbani starts as soon as the Eid prayers end and lasts until the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah. There are 3 days appointed for slaughtering the sacrificial animal. However, it is recommended to do it on the first day, right after sunrise, as it is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, he just slaughtered it for himself, and whoever slaughtered it after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5546)
The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for those in need. This symbolizes the social responsibility and generosity towards the struggling and poor people.
In Surah Al-Hajj, verse 37, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says regarding this, “Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for what He has guided you to, and give good news to the good-doers.”
Beyond the distribution of meat, families and friends share the food among each other. Eid delicacies are made, including traditional meat dishes, desserts, and sweets. Families get together at this event and share laughter and gifts. Eid brings people closer and emphasizes sharing blessings with the community.
The core message of Eid al-Adha is to share your blessings. One of the most prominent ways to do it is through charity. On this occasion, along with the sacrifice of the animal, people sacrifice whatever they hold dear in their personal belongings. Muslims go above and beyond to help the poor people by donating money or their clothes, or any other belongings. This practice aligns with a broader perspective of Islamic principle, which is Zakat. This allows everyone to take part in the joy of Eid.
Amidst the celebration of Eid al-Adha, one sunnah that should not be overlooked is reciting Takbeer. Takbeer and praising Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) are recommended during Eid days, especially on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhu ul-Hijjah. It was a beloved sunnah of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ), and it was followed by his companions such as Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and Abu Hurayrah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). They used to say takbeer aloud in public places on Eid days, encouraging everyone to take part in it. It is mentioned in the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says,
“And remember Allah during the 'appointed' Days [These are the three days of staying at Mina during the Hajj; 11th, 12th, and 13th days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah]” (Surah Al-Baqrah: 203)
Eid al-Adha is a celebratory event in which Muslims participate to their fullest. People wear new and finest clothes and get dressed in the best way. The air on the day of Eid is filled with happiness and joy as people arrange social events and gatherings. They do BBQ parties, prepare biryani or meat kebabs, and invite guests over.
These traditions and customs of Eid al-Adha highlight that the focus of this day should be on gratitude, happiness, and charity. Along with the celebrations, it is a time of spiritual reflection on one’s connection with Allah Almighty (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
True celebration extends beyond the rituals. It is hidden in sacrificing bad habits, visiting loved ones, taking care of the sick, feeding the hungry, and letting go of past grudges. Eid al-Adha is a powerful reminder that every sacrifice that is made with a sincere heart sows its seed and brings us blessings not only in this world but also in the hereafter. The true meaning of Eid Al-Adha is evident in this hadith:
It was narrated from ’Aishah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The son of Adam does not do any deed on the Day of Sacrifice that is dearer to Allah than shedding blood. It will come on the Day of Resurrection with its horns and cloven hoofs and hair. Its blood is accepted by Allah before it reaches the ground. So be content when you do it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3126)
During Eid al-Adha, sacrifice is a symbolic representation made to honor the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. The act of sacrifice reflects obedience and gratitude to Allah. The meat of the sacrificial animal is distributed among family, friends, and the poor.
The exact date of Eid al-Adha is determined based on the sighting of the moon. It typically falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, right after the completion of Hajj.
No, sacrifice is obligatory for the Muslims who can afford it. Adult Muslims who meet the financial criteria set by Islam for sacrifice should purchase an animal and slaughter it in the name of Allah.
Yes, many organizations facilitate online sacrifice. It is better to make a sacrifice yourself, but if for some reason you cannot do it locally, you can make a donation instead. The meat is shared with people who need it the most.