Eid al-Adha is also known as the Eid of sacrifice. The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have mentioned this Eid as the joyous festival for Muslims.
“The day of Arafah, the day of Sacrifice, and the days of al-Tashriq are our festival, us Muslims, and they are days of eating and drinking.” [Tirmidhi, 773]
Eid al-Adha takes place on 10th Dhul Hijjah and lasts for three days. It is one of the two celebrations Muslims observe as a community. Eid al-Adha accompanies the practice of Qurbani and the pilgrimage of Hajj. Because of the sanctity of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-al-Adha is considered to be the better and greater of the two Eids.
Muslim celebrations are influenced by the teachings of Quran and Sunnah. Eid-al-Adha celebration begins with Takbir and Eid prayer. Takbir means glorification of Allah (SWT) in words narrated from the companions. The believers are urged to proclaim greatness of Allah (SWT) in the Quran.
“All this is so that you may complete the number (of fasts as prescribed) and proclaim the Takbir of Allah for having guided you and (so) that you may be grateful.” [al-Baqarah 2:185]
A prominent feature of Eid al-Adha is Eid prayer, which takes place in congregation. Muslims are advised to use permissible adornment for participation in Eid prayer. It is Sunnah to take a shower, wear nice clothes and use perfume before coming to the place of prayer. After Eid prayer, it is customary for believers to exchange Eid greetings and congratulate each other.
Eid al-Adha prayer is followed by Qurbani. Many Muslims offer sacrifice straight after the completion of Eid prayer. This is to ensure participation in the Sunnah of eating from the meat of Qurbani on the day of Eid al-Adha. It is Sunnah to hold Eid al-Adha prayers early and eat after the prayer.
Eid al-Adha is expected to start on 7 June this year. However, the Eid al-Adha 2025 date will be determined closer to the time by the sighting of Dhul Hijjah moon.
Eid-al-Adha takes place on 10th of Dhul Hijjah, which is the final and the sacred month of Islamic calendar. The days of Eid al Adha are 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
Eid al-Adha might fall on Monday, 7 June subject to the sighting of the new moon. The first day of Eid al-Adha is also known as the day of sacrifice. The Prophet (SAW) said about this Eid:
“The greatest of days before Allah is the Day of Sacrifice.” [Sahih Abi Dawud]
According to another report, the Prophet (SAW) said about this day:
“This is the greatest day of Hajj.” [Bukhari,1742]
The Eid al-Adha festival is prescribed by the Muslim faith. The Prophet’s (SAW) words are the reason why Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha with typical devotion. Comparing previous festivals to Eid al-Adha, the Prophet said:
“Allah has given you two days better than these, the day of al-Fitr and the day of al-Adha.” [Abu Dawud, 1134]
Apart from the spiritual aspect, Eid-al-Adha also brings an opportunity for Muslims to enjoy the day with family and friends. The following customs add excitement to Eid-al-Adha, which are shared by many Muslims:
In the UK, Eid al-Adha begins with Eid prayers in the park or an open place. The place of prayer is surrounded by stalls of food, henna, and other interesting items. In some cities, the prayer place sees fairground rides, slides, and bouncy castles for children. After the prayer and Eid greetings, some families stay in the park to enjoy a picnic with other community members. Many people donate to charities helping Muslims around the world.
Remember the less fortunate this Eid al-Adha and donate generously to Orphans in Need. Your donation can save many lives.