Eid al-Adha FAQs

What is Eid al-Adha in Islam?

Eid al-Adha is Islam’s most important festival in Islam and is often called the ‘Greater Eid’ because of this. It takes place on the tenth day of the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar – Dhu al-Hijja. Muslims mark Eid al-Adha with prayers, family gatherings, feasts and, directly or indirectly, sacrificing an animal to Allah (SWT) and distributing the meat to the poor and needy. This sacrifice and charity is called qurbani.

How Many Days is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha itself is just one day – the tenth of Dhu al-Hijja. However, because of the festival’s significance, it is usually celebrated and observed over the three days following this date as well. These are known as the Tashreeq days. Usually, all three days will be called Eid al-Adha or just ‘Eid’.

When is Eid al-Adha 2025?

Eid al-Adha for 2025 will begin on the evening of Friday, 6th June and will end on the evening of Tuesday, 10th June.

Why Do We Celebrate Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha commemorates the story of Ibrahim (AS), who demonstrated his unfailing trust in and obedience to Allah (SWT). Ibrahim (AS) had been told that he would have a righteous son, but he must be sacrificed to Allah before he reached puberty. Ibrahim did have a son, Ishmael, and as the boy aged his father began having dreams in which he sacrificed Ishmael. But he remained resolute in his faith, told Ishmael of the prophecy and that he would have to take his son’s life. Ishmael too remained resolute and was willing to give up his own life to obey the wishes of Allah (SWT).

When the time came to make the sacrifice, both men were weeping. But Ibrahim (AS) bound his son’s hands and brought his knife to his throat. At that moment a voice was heard saying “Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision!”. A white horned ram appeared at Ibrahim’s side and that was sacrificed instead, sparing his son’s life. Allah (SWT) had rewarded the faith, loyalty, trust and obedience of both Ibrahim and Ishmael.

Why Is Eid al-Adha Important?

It has been said that “the greatest of days before Allah (SWT) is the Day of Sacrifice.”

Eid al-Adha is important because it is a time to remember and reflect on the story of Ibrahim (AS). This embodies many of the most important spiritual virtues that Muslims should embody in their lives and in their faith. It is an example of faith and trust and obedience to Allah (SWT). Ibrahim (AS) also acted without doubt or hesitation, and with complete sincerity and belief in his task, however much it saddened him, because it was the will of Allah (SWT).

Eid al-Adha is also important because it is a festival that takes place during Dhu al-Hijja – the month of the Hajj. The Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that all capable Muslims are required to make once in their lifetime, and it can only be performed between the 8th and 13th days of this month. This means that Eid al-Adha and the Tashreeq days mark the end of the period of the Hajj for pilgrims.

Is it Compulsory to Sacrifice on Eid al-Adha?

The sacrificing of an animal on Eid al-Adha, called Qurbani, is a key rite for the Festival of Sacrifice. It not only forms a direct link with the sacrifice asked of Ibrahim (AS) and the one he made when Ishmael’s life was spared, but is a way for Muslims to ensure that even the poorest and most disadvantaged can receive a portion of meat to celebrate the festival.

There are different judgements within Islam about whether it is compulsory to perform Qurbani on Eid al-Adha. Hanafism, the largest school of thought within Sunni Islam and the largest single school (accounting for approximately one third of Muslims worldwide) hold that Qurbani is wajib – compulsory.

Other schools of thought, including Shafi’i, Maliki and Hanbali opinion, generally hold that it is sunnah mu’akadah – an important tradition, but not compulsory. However, even among those who do not say that Qurbani is compulsory, it is held to be highly recommended. It is a spiritually significant, virtuous and desirable act as well as a very effective act of practical charity and solidarity.

Can You Eat Before Eid al-Adha Prayer?

There are no requirements or mandatory practices surrounding eating on Eid al-Adha. There are sunnah (traditions) and things that are considered mustahabb (recommendations) to recognise the significance and meaning of the occasion.

It is considered mustahabb not to eat until after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the morning of the day itself. Traditionally, Muslims would not eat on Eid al-Adha until after they had made their animal sacrifice, and the meal would be the meat from the udhiyah (the sacrificial animal). For those who cannot or do not carry out the sacrifice themselves, refraining from eating until after the Eid al-Adha prayer is in keeping with the traditions and origins of the festival.

Be Part of Eid al-Adha 2025

Eid al-Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice, embodied by the act of Qurbani. This is a commendable act of worship and a duty for all observant Muslims. With Orphans in Need, you can fulfil this duty and ease the hardship of those going hungry at this special time. From as little as £25 for a share in an animal, you will not only be making a qurbani sacrifice on Eid al-Adha, but ensuring that the meat will go to those who need it most. Donate your Qurbani 2025 with Orphans in Need for a blessed Eid al-Adha.