Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of those two special times in the year that Muslims everywhere look forward to. It comes on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and the celebrations usually stretch over three or four days.
Everything to do with the celebration comes back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the incredible trust he had in Allah (SWT). He was ready to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), as commanded, but at the very last moment, a ram was sent instead, which is why Muslims all over the world perform Qurbani today.
When is Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall between Tuesday, 26 May, and Wednesday, 27 May. As with all the Islamic dates, it really depends on sighting the new crescent moon. While, the Day of Arafah, which is very important, especially as it is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, occurs one day before Eid al-Adha, so it should be on 25 May. Still, make sure to check closer to the time with your local mosque or the moon-sighting announcements.
What Happens on Eid al-Adha?
The day tends to start early in the morning, soon after sunrise. Plenty of people start with a full ghusl, put on their cleanest and nicest clothes, and head to the mosque or a big open ground for the Eid prayer. It’s a simple prayer with just two rak’ahs and some extra takbiraat. After that, the imam usually gives a sermon (Khutbah) about sacrifice, gratitude, and remembering those who are struggling. This follows the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW):
“The first thing we will do on this day of ours, is to offer the (`Id) prayer and then return to slaughter the sacrifice.”
Sahih al-Bukhari (5545)
Once the prayer is done, the main thing for many families becomes the Qurbani. An animal is sacrificed following clear guidelines. The condition and health of the animal matters, the timing matters and even the way it is done matters.
The animal faces the Qibla, a short takbir is said, and the slaughter is carried out quickly and as humanely as possible with a sharp knife. Then the meat gets divided into three parts: one for your own family, one to share with relatives and friends, and the third for people who are in need. That sharing is really what the whole day is about. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasised sharing beyond one’s own needs, saying:
“Retain with you (the flesh) sufficing for three (days), and whatever is left out of that give in charity.”
Sahih Muslim (1971
How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
In many Muslim countries, Eid al-Adha turns into a proper public holiday, so families have real time to gather properly. Homes might get a few simple decorations, neighbours and relatives dropping in, and the kitchen comes alive with the rich smells of traditional dishes made from the sacrificial meat, rice, breads and local spices.
Here in the UK and other Western countries, a lot of families arrange their Qurbani through trusted local butchers or charities, so everything is done the right way and the meat actually reaches the people who need it most. When Qurbani is given through us, we take on that responsibility. From selecting the animal to making sure the meat is distributed properly, every step is handled with care.
Preparation for Eid al-Adha
For the Qurbani, many people start planning and sorting it out a few weeks early. In cities these days, most of the people book through a reliable charity rather than handling every single thing themselves. They take care of choosing the right animal, doing the sacrifice properly, and getting the meat distributed quickly, all according to the Islamic guidelines.
The spiritual side of Eid preparation builds gradually. After Fajr on the Day of Arafah, the takbirs start and keep going until Asr on the last day of Eid. Families usually give the house a good clean, decide on the meals they’ll cook, and set some money aside for charity. Everyone sorts out their clothes, so they feel comfortable going to the prayer. If you’re donating Qurbani through an organisation, doing it early gives the teams on the ground enough time to manage things well.
On the practical side, think about who’s going to which prayer, how you’ll handle the extra traffic around mosques, and how the day will fit with family. When money is tight, shared Qurbani options let several people contribute to a bigger animal like a cow, so the sunnah stays within reach for everyone.
The Role of Charity in Eid al-Adha
Charity is yet another important part of Eid al-Adha. Giving away a third of the meat straight away helps ease hunger and lets many families enjoy proper, nourishing food they might not get very often. This idea of giving and multiplying impact is also mentioned in the Qur’an:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains.”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)
Besides their own sacrifice, thousands of Muslims fulfil their Qurbani by donating through us at Orphans in Need, as we work in some of the hardest hit communities and places in the world. We handle the full process, such as buying healthy animals, carrying out the sacrifice according to the rules, and making sure the meat is shared fairly.
Supporting Orphans During Eid al-Adha
Festivals can feel especially tough for orphans. Without parents or a big family network, they often miss the nutritional food, new clothes, and cheerful atmosphere that other children take for granted. That’s why with our Qurbani programmes, we make a point of reaching out to them. Cooked meals, portions of fresh meat, and thoughtful little gifts help these children feel part of the wider Muslim family, even if it’s only for those few days.
We also extend this support beyond Eid through longer-term sponsorship programmes that cover school, healthcare and day-to-day needs. That steady support gives orphaned children a genuine chance at a brighter future. We at Orphans in Need stay transparent about how the money is spent, keep the costs low, and let donors see the real difference being made. When families here in the UK send their Qurbani through us, a personal religious act turns into real, lasting help for orphans and widows in different countries.
Practical Considerations for Participants
Animal welfare and food safety should be taken seriously every time. Animals should get health checks where possible, and the sacrifice should follow the kind and precise guidelines from Islamic teachings. If you’re doing Qurbani for the first time, a quick discussion with your local imam or reaching out to us can sort out any questions and make the process much smoother.
It’s also good to plan ahead for travel during the busy period, arrange time off from work or studies, and set a realistic budget. Make sure there’s room not just for your own sacrifice but also for extra charity and small gifts, so the spiritual side stays the main focus.
In the end, Eid al-Adha encourages each of us to look at how much we’re willing to give. It brings prayer and sacrifice together with simple everyday kindness, pulling communities closer and reminding us of our responsibility to one another. When we prepare with care and share generously, especially with those who have lost so much, the blessings of these days reach far beyond our own homes, bringing real comfort and hope to orphans and vulnerable families around the world. This mix of faith and caring is what makes Eid al-Adha feel so special, year after year.
Give your Qurbani through Orphans In Need this Eid. Donate now and let us handle every step properly, from sacrifice to distribution on the ground.
