Why is Eid al-Adha So Important in Islam?

Eid al-Adha is considered the most important festival (Eid) in the Muslim faith. It is often known as the ‘Greater Eid’, signifying its importance in relation to Eid al-Fitr (the end of the holy month of Ramadan). Eid al-Adha falls during Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar. The Greater Eid falls on the tenth day of the month but, due to its spiritual and cultural significance, it is celebrated across three ‘tashreeq’ days from then.

Many of the most important events, traditions and rites in Muslim life happen in or around Eid al-Fitr. But what is the real significance of Eid al-Adha?

What Is The Importance of Eid al-Adha?

In Arabic, Eid al-Adha means ‘Festival of Sacrifice’. It commemorates an important event in Islamic history, when the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) proved he was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmail (AS) to fulfil a command from Allah (SWT).

Ibrahim had long desired a son, and received a prophecy that his wife would bear a son and he would be righteous. But the prophecy also decreed that Ibrahim must sacrifice his son for Allah (SWT) before he reached puberty. As Ishmail (AS) approached that age, Ibrahim (AS) began having dreams in which he sacrificed his son, and he knew that it was Allah’s will that the sacrifice was made.

As is recounted in the Qur’an, neither Ibrahim nor Ishmail (AS) were swayed from their faith or their obedience to Allah. Ibrahim says:

“O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am sacrificing you, so see what you think.” He [Ismail] said, “O my father! Do as you are commanded. If Allah wills, you shall find me of the patient.”’

Shaytan (the Devil) visited Ibrahim three times (or, in some narratives, Ibrahim, Ishmael and Hagar – Ishmael’s mother – in turn) to try and convince him not to sacrifice his son and that doing so would be a crime. Ibrahim’s resolve was undiminished, and he threw stones at Shaytan to drive him away.

When the time came to make the sacrifice, Ibrahim bound Ishmail and prepared to cut his neck. With both father and son shedding tears but committed to carry out the deed required of them by Allah (SWT) – Ibrahim to kill his beloved son by his own hand and Ishmail to give up his life – Ibrahim (AS) put his knife to Ishmail’s neck.

At this moment, Ibrahim heard a voice, “O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision.” A white horned ram appeared at Ibrahim’s side. He released his son’s bonds and sacrificed the ram in his place.

As recounted in the Qu’ran, Allah (SWT) decreed:

“Indeed, in this way We reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was certainly the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice, and We left for him this favourable mention among later generations: “Peace upon Ibrahim.”’

Ibrahim (AS) and Ishmail (AS) had been rewarded for their unwavering obedience to, and faith in, Allah (SWT). Not only did Ibrahim not have to sacrifice his son, but a valuable animal was put in his place for sacrifice. They both received the highest spiritual rewards and became examples of veneration for Muslims to follow down the centuries.

At Eid al-Adha, Muslims remember and reflect on this example. The Islamic Festival of Sacrifice commemorates Ibrahim’s sacrifice and the spiritual and material sacrifices that can be required of Muslims as part of their faith. And to mark and symbolise this, Muslims sacrifice an animal to Allah (SWT) on Eid al-Adha and distribute the meat to those in need. This is called Qurbani and is an act of spiritual charity and solidarity.

The Spiritual Significance of Eid al-Adha

The story, rituals and traditions of Eid al-Adha all embody broader spiritual examples and virtues for Muslims. Eid al-Adha is a time for Muslims to reflect on the lessons of the story of Ibrahim (AS) and how they can continue to embody them in their own lives, deeds and faith.

These virtues can include:

1. Iman (‘Faith): This is most frequently defined in Islamic teachings as “belief in the heart, statement of the tongue and action of the limbs”. Ibrahim (AS) had belief in Allah (SWT) in his heart, he told himself, his son and his family of his intent to fulfil the instructions of Allah (SWT) and he carried out the actions. Even though saying and doing these things caused him great anxiety and sadness, he remained faithful and his belief and obedience was unshaken.
2. Yaqeen (‘Certainty’): Ibrahim and Ishmail (AS) both had an unwavering conviction and certainty in their relationship with Allah (SWT) and the righteousness of what they were required to do. Yaqueen is a state of having no doubt or hesitancy, just as Ibrahim (AS) and Ishmail (AS) never even hesitated to carry out the will of Allah (SWT). Yaqueen is a level of faith that goes beyond intellectual belief but is rooted in your heart and embodied in every action.
3. Tawakkul (‘Trust’): This is reliance or trust on Allah (SWT) and their plan above all else. It has been written that ‘one who trusts in God is always led to God’. Ibrahim’s sincere and unwavering obedience were because of his iman (faith) and his yaqueen (certainty) in that faith and the deeds of Allah (SWT). His and Ishmail’s freedom from doubt and absence of hesitation was because of tawakkul – implicit trust in the wishes and plans of Allah (SWT).
4. Taqwa (‘God-consciousness’): This is one of the most important aspects of Eid al-Adha and other aspects of the Muslim faith. It means believing and doing things sincerely and being true to yourself and the wishes of Allah (SWT). It is not enough to merely perform required acts – they must be carried out with true intent, in full understanding of their meaning and acceptance of their requirements. Ibrahim did not put his knife to his son’s throat knowing or hoping that Allah (SWT) would intervene – he was prepared, in his mind and heart, to sacrifice his son to fulfil the wishes of Allah (SWT).

The Islamic Festival of Sacrifice

This is why Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is so important for Muslims. It is an important story not only in the development of their faith and relationship with Allah (SWT), but an example of many of the most important aspects and virtues of that relationship.

This is why Eid al-Adha includes the sacrifice of an animal. Not only is it a direct evocation of the deeds of Ibrahim (AS), but it is an opportunity to demonstrate taqwa. It should be a meaningful sacrifice that is worthy of the occasion and represents giving up something valuable. This is why only particular types of animals (useful livestock) can be sacrificed for Qurbani, and they must be healthy and in good condition.

Qurbani should not be something done simply because it is a requirement or expectation at Eid al-Adha. It should be done out of genuine reflection on what the sacrifice symbolises and a sincere desire to help those in need by distributing the meat from the sacrifice to where it is most needed.

Qurbani for Eid al-Adha 2025

With Orphans in Need, you can not only embody the spirit of Eid al-Adha in 2025 but also allow some of the most disadvantaged and precarious people in the world to share in this special and important time. Through Orphans in Need, you can donate qurbani from as little as £25 for a share in a large animal. You can be assured that not only will the animal be a worthy sacrifice but that the meat will go to those who need it most.

Arrange your Qurbani 2025 donation today!