Eid Al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is the second Eid of the year and has more significance than the first Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha follows the month of Dhul Hijjah, where Muslims go for Hajj. Those who are able perform Hajj, while non-pilgrims celebrate with family and friends and sacrifice an animal to share with people experiencing poverty. Eid al-Adha means the festival of sacrifice, which reflects the giving of Qurbani.

When is Eid al-Adha 2023?

In 2023, Eid Al-Adha is expected to fall on 28 June.

Significance of Qurbani

Giving Qurbani is an important element of Eid al-Adha. Qurbani is the sacrificing of a livestock animal to distribute in three parts: between you, your family, and people experiencing poverty. The word derives from Qurb, meaning ‘nearness’, which reflects the ultimate goal of becoming closer to Allah (SWT). Qurbani must be given on the 10^th, 11^th, or 12^th day of Dhul Hijjah.

In slaughtering an animal, Muslims all around the world commemorate the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was willing to make for the sake of Allah (SWT), sacrificing his son, Ismaeel (AS). When it came to performing this act of devotion to Allah (SWT), Ismaeel (AS) was swapped with a sheep, which was slaughtered instead of him. This story is one of obedience and submission to Allah (SWT).

There are specific animals that are eligible for Qurbani. These are sheep, goats, cows, bulls, buffalos, and camels. They must be healthy and of a certain age to be eligible to be sacrificed for the purposes of Qurbani. Equally, the giver of Qurbani must be sane and Baligh (have reached maturity) to have Qurbani be compulsory upon them. If they do not meet these requirements, they do not have to give Qurbani.

The Reward of Giving Qurbani

Aisha (RA) narrated, “There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed on a person’s good deeds). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, sacrifice with an open and happy heart.” (Tirmidhi)

Qurbani can be given at any time of the year and is highly rewarded. In addition, it can be given on behalf of the deceased, which they will gain reward for, Insha’Allah.

What To Do on Eid al-Adha

It is Sunnah to wake up early, take a shower and pray Eid Salah. Giving gifts and greeting others with ‘Eid Mubarak’ is highly recommended. It is also recommended to say the Takbir after every prayer from Fajr on the day of Arafat till Asr on Eid day.

To follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), you can pay for two animals to be sacrificed. Find out more about Prophetic Qurbani.

Give your Qurbani today with Orphans in Need. Your Eid al-Adha donations can help many families, widows, and orphans.