Eid al-Adha, often called the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most important Islamic festivals. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. But before all this happened, God provided an animal to sacrifice instead. Muslims around the world mark the day with communal prayers, feasts, and often the ritual sacrifice of an animal.
When is Eid al-Adha in 2026?
Eid al-Adha in 2026 is on Wednesday, May 27th. But the exact Eid al-Adha date depends on the lunar calendar. Some Islamic sources suggest the festival might start from the evening of May 26th and last into the evening of May 27th.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Since the Islamic calendar is based on the moon, the date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar. It often coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Story Behind Eid al-Adha
The story behind the celebration of Eid al-Udha is: Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was sleeping, and he saw a dream where he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his most beloved thing. He realized the most precious thing that he has is his son, whose name was Ismai. Whom he had after many years of prayer. Ibrahim was prepared to fulfill Allah's order. Both Ibrahim and Ismail demonstrated complete submission to Allah's will. Even when the devil (Shaitan) tried to tempt them to disobey, they remained steadfast. When Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, Allah intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram from Paradise. It was the Allash's honor to Ibrahim's true devotion and obedience.
How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
People wake up early in the morning before the Eid al-Adha prayer. They perform a ritual washing (called wudu) and put on new clothes or special ones. They eat a light meal. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by first gathering for special prayers at a mosque or an open place. They join the special Eid prayer and listen to a sermon. After that, they spend time with family and friends, enjoy big meals, and often give gifts. Many also share meat from a sacrificed animal with others.
What is Qurbani?
Muslims commemorate this event annually through Qurbani (animal sacrifice), which symbolizes their willingness to submit to Allah. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one for the poor and needy, one for relatives, and one for the family. Eid are significant for performing good deeds and helping those in need.
What is the Difference Between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
The main difference is their meaning and timing. Eid al-Fitr happens at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and it celebrates the first day after that fasting period. Eid al-Adha, on the other hand, happens during the Hajj season, about two months after Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha remembers the story of Ibrahim and the act of sacrifice, while Eid al-Fitr is a celebration of completing fasting.
What are the Rules of Qurbani?
The rules of Qurbani during Eid al-Adha focus on a few key points. First, it must be done by those who have enough wealth and who are mature. The sacrifice happens after the special Eid prayer, usually on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Animals like camels, cows, and goats must be healthy and meet age requirements. The intention must be for God, and the meat is typically shared in three parts: one for the family, one for relatives, and one for the poor.
How Many Days is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
Eid al-Adha is typically celebrated for three days. The main celebrations begin on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, and then the festive days continue for the next two days, making a total of three. In some cultures, people extend the celebrations a bit longer, but the official religious days are these three.