Eid al-Adha is a huge celebration that spreads joy throughout the community, strengthens faith and helps those in need. It occurs in the sacred and holy month of Zulhijjah. This is the last month in the Islamic calendar. Zulhijjah is one of the most vital months in the lunar calendar as it’s when the Hajj pilgrimage takes place. Believers must take this venture on once in their lifetime.
As well as the holy pilgrimage, Zulhijjah is also the month when the sacrifice of animals is done (Qurban). This celebrates the unmatched devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and allows Muslims to show their love to Allah (SWT). Qurban begins after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the first day of Eid, kickstarting the celebrations. This celebration is known as the greater Eid due to the importance of the month. Muslims reflect, perform acts of worship, spend time with loved ones, and give to those less fortunate.
A common question when it comes to this celebration is “When is Eid al-Adha?”. It can be difficult to understand when this occasion begins because the date occurs on the 10th of Zulhijjah in the lunar calendar. This means that Eid al-Adha varies every year in the Gregorian calendar. This year, it is expected to begin on 6 June 2025. This is dependent on the sighting of the moon for Zulhijjah, so it is best to check closer to the time.
The celebrations continue for three days after the Eid al-Adha date. These three additional days are called the days of tashreeq. This means that Eid al-Adha lasts for four days, starting on the 10th and continuing on the 11th, 12th and 13th of Zulhijjah.
So, why is Eid al-Adha celebrated? It is celebrated to commemorate the dedication and unwavering devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah (SWT). It is a chance for Muslims to make sacrifices to Allah (SWT) and express their love and loyalty to their faith and God. The celebration is an opportunity to practice taqwa (consciousness of God) and believers can show the same loyalty and obedience to Allah (SWT) that the Prophet (AS) did.
The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was willing to make the biggest sacrifice to show his obedience and love for Allah (SWT). He was told to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (AS), in a test of love and submission to God. Although it pained Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son, he remained committed and obeyed Allah’s (SWT) command. Ismail (AS) also stayed devoted to God by willingly allowing the sacrifice.
Both men went to Mount Arafat to perform the sacrifice. Ibrahim (AS) tied his son’s hands to make sure that he wouldn’t try to stop it from happening. They knew in their hearts that this needed to be done as their love for Allah (SWT) was greater than for each other. When Ibrahim (AS) went to do the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) rewarded both of their actions and devotion to Him by sending a ram. The ram was sacrificed instead of Ismail (AS), which began the tradition of Qurban.
The Eid al-Adha sacrifice that believers carry out reflects this story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It allows them to follow the devotion of Ibrahim (AS) and bring it into their lives, earning reward from Allah (SWT).
Eid al-Adha is also celebrated to help Muslims grow spiritually and strengthen their faith. As the celebration occurs in Zulhijjah, it coincides with the pilgrimage. Eid can mark the end of Hajj for those who have completed it. Due to this, celebrations include acts of worship and giving to those in need, as well as enjoying spending time with loved ones. Charity and helping those in desperate need have become the focus of Eid al-Adha. Traditionally, once a believer has made the sacrifice, it will be split into three shares, with one share going to those in need. In the UK, regulations for slaughter prevent this. Through charities, like GER, Muslims can donate Qurban, where all the meat will help those in need.
GER strives to reach communities most in need with your Qurban donations. We use these donations to provide food and resources to vulnerable communities worldwide. Donate today to help us eradicate inequalities and build a fairer and safer world.
As Muslims around the world reflect on the history and significance of Eid, many wonder what are the virtues of Eid al-Adha? There are many virtues of the greater Eid that must be remembered and practiced during the four days. The most significant virtues are:
Yes, there are many Eid al-Adha traditions that are steeped in history to celebrate the joyous occasion. The first tradition that Eid begins with is the congregational prayer. This is held in mosques and open fields. The prayer occurs early in the morning on the first day of Eid. Before the Muslims attend the prayer, they should recite the Takbir, have a shower, wear their finest clothes, and eat a light meal. These are Sunnah, meaning actions the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did himself.
Once the prayer is finished, the ritual of Qurban begins. Those who are able to offer the sacrifice of a livestock animal as an act of obedience and remembrance of Ibrahim’s (AS) test. The meat from this animal is divided into three parts: one for family, one for friends and neighbours, and one for those in need. This importance is stated in a hadith on Qurban:
“That they may witness [i.e. attend] benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known [i.e. specific] days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.” [Surah Al Hajj, Ayat 28]
Some families have the tradition of giving Sadaqah (charity) across the days of Eid. They also visit family and friends and share meals together throughout Eid al-Adha. Other Eid al-Adha traditions include giving gifts to children, as well as bringing communities together through joy and celebration. Families cook tasty dishes that send mouthwatering scents out onto the streets. These dishes are shared with loved ones and are usually traditional, such as Biryani, Samosas and Kebabs. Sweet treats are also handed out, like Baklava, and sweets are given to children. Another tradition is giving cash to children, which is known as Eidi.
Eid al-Adha traditions include giving to those less fortunate to help spread the joy of Eid to those who don’t get to celebrate. GER reaches the most vulnerable communities worldwide with vital resources and support to help transform their lives. When you donate, we ensure everyone can celebrate Eid with Qurban, giving the gift of a healthy meal that they never get. Donate now to spread the joy of Eid al-Adha to everyone across the world and help to make a safer world.
