Eid al-Adha FAQs

Eid al-Adha is determined on the Islamic lunar calendar, which follows the cycle of the moon. It falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, which is the 12th and final month of the Islamic year. Due to following the lunar cycle, the exact date of Eid al-Adha varies depending on the sighting of the new moon.

Eidal al-Adha in Islam is one of the two spiritually significant celebrations and is highly important, which is why it’s known as the Greater Eid. It’s also known as the festival of sacrifice because the act of Qurbani is carried out throughout the days of the celebration. This is when able Muslims sacrifice an animal to show their utter devotion to Allah (SWT) and commemorate the commitment of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to make the biggest sacrifice for his faith. Qurbani is highly encouraged to strengthen faith, unite the ummah and grow spirituality through Taqwa (consciousness of God). As well as the spiritual significance of Eid al-Adha, the celebration focuses on community. Believers come together in celebration with family, friends and their local community to enjoy traditional dishes, conversations and give gifts. This helps to strengthen the ummah and give each Muslim the chance to share the blessing that they’ve been given with others. Eid al-Adha spreads joy to everyone and even helps those in desperate need through Qurbani distribution. The meat from the sacrifice is given to those who are facing hunger so that they can survive and join in with the joyous occasion, just like everybody else.

Many wonder how long Eid al-Adha is, due to the celebration occurring over a few days. Eid itself is only one day, which is on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. However, it’s celebrated and observed over the three days after this date because of its spiritual significance. These three extra days are known as the Tashreeq days but are commonly just referred to as Eid al-Adha over every day.

Eid al-Adha in 2027 is expected to start on the evening of the 17th of May, however, this is all dependent on the sighting of the moon, so the date may vary slightly closer to the time.

The reason why we celebrate Eid al-Adha is that it commemorates the story of Ibrahim (AS), who showed his unwavering devotion, trust and obedience to Allah (SWT) by being willing to make a huge sacrifice. He had been told that one day he would have a righteous son, and he did, Ismail (AS). However, Ibrahim (AS) was also told that his son must be sacrificed to Allah before he reached the age of puberty. So, when Ismail (AS) grew up, his father started to have dreams of sacrificing him. Even though this was a very difficult thing to do, Ibrahim (AS) stayed committed to his prophecy and told Ismail that he would have to sacrifice him. Ismail (AS) understood what must be done and was willing to give up his own life to obey Allah (SWT). Once the time came to do the sacrifice, both men went to Mount Arafat to carry it out. Ibrahim (AS) was about to complete the sacrifice when a voice was heard, and a white-horned ram appeared to be sacrificed in place of Ismail (AS). This was a reward for the men’s devotion to Allah (SWT) and began the act of Qurbani that Muslims still perform today during Eid al-Adha.

It has been said that “the greatest of days before Allah (SWT) is the Day of Sacrifice.” Eid al-Adha is important because it’s a time to remember and reflect on the story of Ibrahim (AS). This story reflects a lot of the important spiritual values that Muslims need to take on during their lives. It’s an example of faith, 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). The celebration is also important because it’s a festival that occurs in the holy month of Dhul Hijjah, which is when the Hajj pilgrimage must be completed by able Muslims at least once in their lifetimes. Hajj is a holy pilgrimage to Mecca that’s filled with acts of worship and Islamic history to connect believers closer to Allah (SWT) and strengthen their faith. This pilgrimage can only be done between the 8th and 13th days of the month, meaning that Eid al-Adha marks the end of Hajj for pilgrims.

Many wonder what happens at Eid al-Adha, and there are multiple ways in which Muslims come together to celebrate Eid al-Adha. The main celebration is the Qurbani sacrifice that helps the hungry finally have a proper meal and have meat, which they may never get to have at any other time of the year. Even though this is the main celebration, it’s not the only way Muslims celebrate. It’s a time for believers to follow the traditions of Eid and practice Sunnah throughout all the days. Sunnah are acts that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) willingly performed himself and are very spiritually important for Muslims to do. On top of this, Eid al-Adha is a celebration of togetherness, uniting family, friends and the community. This allows everyone to strengthen their faith together and spread joy to everyone, no matter their situation. Those in need receive the meat from the sacrifice so that they can also feel the joy of Eid and enjoy healthy traditional meals. Eid al-Adha begins with the adoration of Allah (SWT) in prayers, which is followed by Qurbani and then a festive meal with loved ones or the ummah.

During the days of Eid al-Adha, it’s forbidden to fast because it’s a day of celebration. This is the case because it’s a time of sacrifice, and if Muslims were to fast on this day, then they’re disobeying Allah (SWT). He ordered believers to refrain from fasting: “So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor” [Al-Hajj 22:28]. Instead, it’s a day for celebration and coming together with families, friends and the community to share food amongst themselves and the less fortunate. Muslims are also encouraged to share the blessings they have been given by Allah (SWT). However, even though you cannot fast on the day of Eid, Muslims typically choose to fast during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, especially on the Day of Arafah. This is because fasting on this day cleanses sins from the previous year and the coming year, and is something those who aren’t doing Hajj should do.

Eating on Eid al-Adha doesn’t have particular rules or practices. However, there are sunnah (traditions) and certain acts that are mustahabb (recommended) that show the importance of the celebration. Typically, it’s seen as mustahabb to avoid eating until after the Eid al-Adha prayer. This is because in Islamic history, it was typical to eat after the animal sacrifice had been made, as the meal would be made from the sacrificed animal. It’s ideal to still carry on this tradition of not eating until after the Eid prayer.