Eid al-Adha is a special time for Muslims across the world. It is a holy festival that brings together worship, family, and kindness to others. Let’s explore its true meaning, key rituals, and how people celebrate it worldwide.
Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى) is the second big festival in Islam, coming after Eid al-Fitr. Eid ul-Adha meaning is the "Feast of Sacrifice". Muslims around the world celebrate it for three days. It comes after the Day of Arafah, but it is not part of the Hajj. It just comes right after it, which is why it feels connected.
Eid al-Adha is called the greater Eid among the two key Eid celebrations because of its deep meaning. It recalls Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s test when he attempted to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah's (SWT) command.
The story of Eid al-Adha goes back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), one of the greatest men in human history. One night, Prophet Ibrahim had a series of dreams where Allah (SWT) asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS).
Ibrahim (AS) was deeply conflicted but trusted Allah’s (SWT) command. He asked Ismail (AS) to travel with him to Mount Arafah. When Ibrahim (AS) shared his dreams with Ismail (AS), his son calmly encouraged him to follow Allah’s (SWT) will without fear.
Just as Ibrahim (AS) was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) stopped him and sent a ram to be sacrificed instead of Ismail (AS). This moment showed Allah’s (SWT) mercy and Ibrahim’s (AS) full obedience. As mentioned in the Quran:
"فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعۡيَ قَالَ يَٰبُنَيَّ إِنِّيٓ أَرَىٰ فِي ٱلۡمَنَامِ أَنِّيٓ أَذۡبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرۡ مَاذَا تَرَىٰۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفۡعَلۡ مَا تُؤۡمَرُۖ سَتَجِدُنِيٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
"And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.” He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.”
(Quran 37:102)
The act became a symbol. It highlighted the importance of following Allah’s (SWT) will and remaining firm in faith. It also taught that Allah (SWT) always provides a way out. Today, Muslims remember this through the practice of sacrificing or Nahr or Qurbani.
Eid ul-Adha rituals and background hold deep meaning for every Muslim.
Willingness to Sacrifice
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was commanded by Allah (SWT) to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). Though it was a great test and deeply painful, he was ready to obey. He chose Allah’s (SWT) command over his love for his son. This reminds us to put Allah's (SWT) before anything. It teaches us to give up even what we love most if Allah (SWT) commands it.
Faith and Trust
Ibrahim (AS) trusted Allah’s (SWT) plan even when it seemed hard. He knew Allah (SWT) would always guide him. This shows that we must have full faith. It gives us strength during tough times. True faith means not just believing, but fully relying on Him.
Submission to Allah (SWT)
The act of sacrifice proves submission. Ibrahim (AS) submitted fully to Allah (SWT). He did not doubt Him. Muslims learn to follow Allah (SWT) without delay. This is a core part of Islam. It means saying "yes" to Allah's commands at all times.
Gratitude and Generosity
Eid al-Adha teaches us to be thankful to Allah (SWT) for all His blessings. It also reminds us to care for others. On this special day, Muslims share meat from the sacrificed animal with those in need. This brings happiness to the poor and helps keep the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) alive. As Ibn Abbas informed Ibn az-Zubayr:
"I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.'"
(Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 112)
The exact date depends on the moon sighting, as the Islamic calendar follows lunar months. It starts on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar. And it goes on till 12th Dhul-Hijjah.
Eid al-Adha 2025 is expected to begin on Friday morning, June 6, and end on Sunday evening, June 8.
Eid lasts for three days. It begins on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and goes on until the 12th. These days are called the Days of Tashreeq. During this time, people carry out special Eid prayers and rituals.
Eid al-Adha starts with Eid prayer early on the first day. It takes place after sunrise. After the prayer, people perform the Qurbani (sacrifice). This should be done during the Eid days, before sunset on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. The day is usually spent praying, making the sacrifice, and spending time with family and friends.
Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah (أضحية), is the act of sacrificing animals during Eid al-Adha in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion to Allah (SWT). For muslims around the world, it is not just a ritual, but a sacred act of submission, done solely for the sake of Allah (SWT). Every drop spilled, every prayer uttered, is meant to please none but Allah (SWT).
As the Qur’an commands:
"فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَٱنۡحَرۡ"
"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."
(Quran 108:2)
According to the Hanafi school of thought, Nahr is obligatory (wajib). However, in other schools like Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali, it is seen as a highly recommended Sunnah (Sunnah Muakkadah) for every Muslim who meets the following conditions:
The Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a person must own before Qurbani becomes obligatory. It is traditionally defined as the smaller amount between these two:
It is not required that the wealth be held for a year, as in the case of Zakat, which many Muslims pay, especially during Ramadan. Rather, if a person owns this amount during the days of Eid al-Adha (10th to 12th Dhul Hijjah), Qurbani becomes obligatory upon them.
Simply put, if you qualify to pay Zakat, then you also need to give Qurbani.
Even if it’s not required for you, doing Qurbani is a highly recommended Sunnah and brings great reward. As Ibn Umar Narrated:
"The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) stayed in Al-Madinah for ten years performing the Udhiyah.”
(Jami at-Tirmidhi 1507)
But if you can afford it and still choose not to do it, it is discouraged in Islam. As it was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“Whoever can afford it, but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our prayer place.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3123)
Picking the right animal for Qurbani is really important. Islam has clear rules about it, so here are the main things to check before you buy your animal.
Islamic rulings specify minimum age requirements for each type of animal. An animal that hasn’t reached the required age is not valid for qurbani. Jabir reported Allah's Messenger (PBUH) as saying:
"Sacrifice only a grown-up animal, unless it is difficult for you, in which case sacrifice a ram (of even less than a year, but more than six months' age)."
(Sahih Muslim 1963)
The standard guidelines:
Health is a major condition for the validity of the qurbani. The animal must be free from visible signs of sickness or weakness. Look for the following signs of a healthy animal:
Avoid animals that appear lethargic or have open wounds, as they may not be suitable for sacrifice.
Your qurban should be a reflection of your devotion, and that includes ensuring the animal is free from permanent physical defects. As Narrated by Ubayd ibn Firuz:
"I asked al-Bara' ibn Azib: What should be avoided in sacrificial animals? He said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) stood among us, and my fingers are smaller than his fingers, and my fingertips are smaller than his fingertips. He said (pointing with his fingers): Four (types of animals) should be avoided in sacrifice: A One-eyed animal which has obviously lost the sight of one eye, a sick animal which is obviously sick, a lame animal which obviously limps and an animal with a broken leg with no marrow. I also detest an animal which has defective teeth. He said: Leave what you detest, but do not make it illegal for anyone. Abu Dawud said: (By a lean animal mean) and animal which has no marrow. "
(Sunan Abi Dawud 2802)
So, the defects you should look out for include:
While not obligatory, certain characteristics are highly encouraged when selecting your qurbani. These not only add value but also align with the Prophetic tradition of offering the best:
It’s also essential to know how many people can share in the reward of a single animal:
Eid al-Adha is celebrated in many ways as follows.
The day starts with Eid Salah. Muslims gather in mosques or open areas to pray together. This brings everyone closer and shows unity among the Muslim community. People wear clean or new clothes for it. They also follow Sunnah acts like taking a bath and using fragrance. This prayer marks the beginning of Eid celebrations.
After the prayer, Muslims who can afford it sacrifice an animal. They do this to remember Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience. Then the meat is divided into three parts: one for their family, one for friends and relatives, and one for those in need.
Muslims say the following Takbir from the 9th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, especially after the obligatory prayers.
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْد
"Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Ilallah Wallahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahil Hamd"
"Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity (no god) besides Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and to Allah all praises belong."
They also make personal duas. These duas keep your heart connected to Allah.
Eid al-Adha is a time of giving and compassion. Families not only share the meat of their Qurbani with relatives and neighbors, but they also ensure a portion reaches to those in need. Many go beyond that by offering additional charity (sadaqah), helping those who cannot afford Eid meals. It spreads joy and supports everyone in the community.
On Eid days, families visit each other. They share meals and give gifts, especially to children. Everyone wears their best clothes and enjoys simple, joyful moments together. These acts bring hearts closer, spread love, and keep the spirit of Eid alive in every home.
Eid ul-Adha traditions differ from place to place, but the heart of the festival stays the same, including Eid prayer, sacrifice, and family gatherings.
In Saudi Arab, this is the time for Hajj. The city of Mecca bustles with millions of pilgrims. In UAE & Qatar, they hold high-end celebrations and organize public prayers. Street celebrations, family gatherings and a mix of traditional and modern customs are seen in Egypt. And in In Morocco, families enjoy Tagine stew, wear traditional djellabas, and celebrate with drums. Jordan & Lebanon also celebrate Eid al Adha with their traditional dishes in large family gatherings.
The Qurbani is the most important part of Eid. In South Asian countries, like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, women decorate their hands with beautiful henna designs. In Indonesia, large community gatherings are held where the Qurbani meat is distributed widely among the poor.
While Eid ul-Adha traditions may vary in different regions, it unites Muslims everywhere in faith, charity, and celebration.
Eid al-Adha brings us together through worship, kindness, and unity. It reminds us to live with purpose, do what is right, and help others. May this Eid renew your faith and strengthen your bond with Allah (SWT) and your community. Remember to keep these lessons in your heart every day, not just on Eid.
