Get ready to celebrate the spirit of Eid al-Adha 2025! A time of celebration, reflection, and giving back. The Festival of Sacrifice brings families together and honors a powerful story of faith.
Here’s everything you need to know about the traditions and significance of this holiday!
What is Eid al-Adha? The Story Behind the Festival
Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is a Muslim holiday that celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) deep devotion to Allah (God).
The story tells that there was once a prophet named Ibrahim, very devoted to Allah. One day, Allah asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael to prove his faith. Ibrahim loved his son deeply, but he trusted Allah completely, so he was ready to do what Allah asked.
Just as Ibrahim was about to make the sacrifice, Allah sent a ram to take Ishmael’s place. Ibrahim’s faith and trust in Allah were proven, and Allah showed mercy by sparing his son. This story became the foundation of a special holiday called Eid al-Adha.
So, every year, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha for 3 or 4 days on the 10th day of a special month called Dhu al-Hijja, which is the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Since this calendar is based on the lunar calendar, the date of Eid changes every year in the regular Gregorian calendar. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims go to the mosque for prayers, spend time with family and friends, and wear new clothes. One important tradition is to sacrifice an animal, like a sheep or a cow, and share the meat with others, especially those in need.
For many Muslims, Eid al-Adha is also linked to the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which happens around the same time. The holiday reminds everyone of the importance of trusting Allah, being willing to make sacrifices, and helping those less fortunate.
Photo by Milad Rafat is licensed under CC BY 4.0
What is Qurbani? The Ritual of Sacrifice Explained
Qurbani is a Muslim tradition where an animal is sacrificed during Eid al-Adha to honor the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail when Allah commanded it. At the last moment, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram.
Qurbani happens between the 10th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims who can afford to do so perform a sacrifice by slaughtering animals like sheep, goats, cows, or camels. These animals have to meet specific health and quality standards. According to Islamic law, the animals cannot be stunned before they are sacrificed.
Qurbani is an important act in Islam, especially during Eid al-Adha. It is highly encouraged for Muslims who can afford it. However, according to the Hanafi school of thought, which is one of the main Islamic legal schools, it is considered mandatory (or obligatory) for those who are able to do it. The practice of Qurbani has both spiritual and community benefits:
- Devotion to Allah: Qurbani shows loyalty to Allah and follows the example of Prophet Ibrahim.
- Lessons in Faith: It teaches Muslims about faith, obeying Allah, and being willing to sacrifice something valuable for Allah’s sake.
- Helping Others: The meat from the sacrifice is shared in three parts: one for the family, one for friends, and one for those in need.
Muslims believe the sacrifice brings them closer to Allah, and the Prophet Muhammad said that the sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood even touches the ground.
Eid al-Adha and Hajj: How These Two Events Are Connected
Eid al-Adha and Hajj take place around the same time in the Islamic calendar, but they are not the same.
Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is a four-day celebration that starts on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year. Muslims all over the world observe this festival, which honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
Hajj, on the other hand, is a mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim is required to make at least once in their life if they have enough money and are healthy enough to go. It takes place every year, and the most important rituals happen over five days, from the 8th to the 13th of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.
While these two Muslim holidays are similar, they are not the same. Both involve animal sacrifice to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah, but only those performing Hajj do it as part of their pilgrimage. Eid al-Adha, which started around two years after the Prophet’s migration to Medina, is observed by all Muslims with prayers, feasting, and charity. Hajj, which became mandatory about nine years later, includes Eid al-Adha as its final stage, marking the end of the pilgrimage. While pilgrims complete their last rituals, other Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha in solidarity with them.
Photo by Adli Wahid is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
When Is Eid Al Adha 2025?
Eid al-Adha in 2025 will start on Friday, June 6, and last until Monday, June 9.
Please note that the exact date changes every year because the Islamic calendar is based on the moon, which is about 11 days shorter than the regular calendar. In shorter words, the date depends on when the moon is spotted. Also, the month of the Hajj (Dhu al-Hijjah) begins on May 28, 2025.
When you’re celebrating Eid al-Adha in different countries, staying connected is essential. Whether you’re shopping in Egypt, enjoying meals in Pakistan, or joining prayers in Indonesia, having a way to get local info and contact family or emergency services is very important.
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How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated Worldwide?
Eid al-Adha, also called the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is an important holiday for Muslims everywhere. In fact, about 2 billion Muslims celebrate it in similar ways. However, how people celebrate can differ depending on the country or region they’re in. Each place has its own customs or traditions for the holiday. Here are some examples:
- In Turkey, Called Kurban Bayramı, is a special holiday for families to come together. Many people travel to their hometowns, and the government often extends the holiday, so schools, banks, and government buildings close. After prayers, an animal is blessed and sacrificed, and the meat is shared with family, friends, and people in need.
- In Indonesia, Idul Adha is a time for large prayer gatherings. More than 200 million Muslims gather at mosques, and organizations give out meat to people who need it. It’s a time when communities unite for feasts and charitable events.
- In Pakistan, the day starts with special prayers. Families buy animals from busy markets, and then the sacrifice takes place. The meat is split into three parts: one for the family, one for friends, and one for those in need. Some people even use apps to order goats for the sacrifice.
- In Saudi Arabia, Eid al-Adha coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, which is a major religious event. After the special prayers, pilgrims in Mecca do a ritual called Qurbani, where they sacrifice an animal. Locals also celebrate by having meals and getting together with family and friends.
- In Egypt, the streets are full of people selling sweets and new clothes for the holiday. Families sacrifice animals, like sheep or cows, and share the meat with others. Kids get gifts and often go out to enjoy the celebrations.
- In Nigeria, the holiday is called Ileya by the Yoruba people. They wear traditional clothes, go to prayers, and celebrate with music and food. It’s a time for families and friends to visit each other and enjoy the festivities.
- In Malaysia, Hari Raya Haji includes prayers and sacrifices. Many take part in charity, donate meat and food to charity, and public events are held to show the meaning of the holiday.
- In Morocco, this holiday is called the “Greater Eid,” and it has deep cultural meaning. Families decorate their homes and invite friends and neighbors over for big meals.
- In India, goats and sheep are sacrificed either at homes or Islamic centers. Traditional foods like biryani and kebabs are served, and women often decorate their hands with henna.
- In the UK, the US, and Europe, Muslims celebrate by adapting traditions to fit their surroundings. They attend prayers, have festive meals with family and friends, and sometimes rent parks for larger celebrations. Calling family abroad is also a common practice.
Eid al-Adha is a time for prayer, generosity, and community. Across the world, different places may celebrate in their own way, but the main idea is always about sacrifice and sharing.
Charity During Eid al-Adha: How You Can Help
Charity is a central part of Eid al-Adha, reflecting the values of sacrifice, compassion, and unity. By donating, they can help bring the happiness of Eid to those who don’t have much.
One key practice is Qurbani, where families sacrifice an animal and share the meat. They keep some for themselves, give some to relatives, and most importantly, give a portion to those in need. This way, everyone can enjoy a good meal during the celebration.
Donations, such as feeding people and offering financial aid, are also common, along with giving Zakat-al-Fitr, a specific charity that helps less fortunate people celebrate.
Organizations like Muslim Aid Australia and Islamic Aid provide meat from the Qurbani (sacrifice) to people in poor areas across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. They make sure the meat is shared fairly and that the animals are treated well. They mainly focus on places affected by conflict, such as Yemen, Palestine, Syria, and areas with Rohingya refugees.
Eid al-Adha Checklist: Everything You Need to Know
Getting ready for Eid al-Adha involves several steps to honor the holiday’s traditions:
- Fast on the day before Eid (Arafah), is a good way to clear sins from past and future years.
- Attend Eid prayer with others, usually at a mosque or outdoor area, and say the praises of Allah leading up to it.
- Take a purification bath (Ghusl): Take a ritual bath before going out for prayers, wear your best clothes, and use perfume.
- Deep clean your house and decorate with lights, balloons, or banners.
- Prepare special food, especially traditional sweets and dishes, especially ones made with sacrificial meat, to share with neighbors and friends.
- Get kids involved in crafting decorations or preparing fun Eid activity packs.
- Make sure everyone has clean or new clothes for the occasion.
- Bring a prayer mat if you’re attending prayers outside.
- Give gifts, especially to children, and donate to charity.
- Have charity donations ready if you plan to give them during Eid.
- Stay connected and online in moments of celebration or uncertainty. Yoho Mobile eSIM can help you stay in touch and informed. whether for coordinating family plans, sharing festive moments, or accessing emergency services if needed. Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
FAQs About Eid al-Adha
Are Eid Qurban and Eid al-Adha the same Islamic holiday?
Yes, Eid al-Adha and Eid Qurban are the same holidays. “Eid al-Adha” means “Festival of Sacrifice,” and “Qurban” means sacrifice. The holiday honors the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was ready to sacrifice his son to obey God. People celebrate by sacrificing an animal, like a sheep or cow. It’s also called “Greater Eid.”
Is Eid al-Adha related to Ramadan?
Eid al-Adha and Ramadan are both important events for Muslims, but they mark different occasions. Ramadan is a month when Muslims fast (don’t eat or drink) from sunrise to sunset. Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” celebrates the story of Ibrahim (Abraham) showing his dedication to God. Eid al-Adha happens later in the year, on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja, while Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. So, they’re two separate holidays.
When is Hajj 2025?
EHajj 2025 will happen from Wednesday, June 4th to Monday, June 9th. These dates match the 8th to the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year. Note that the exact dates could change based on the moon sighting. During this time, millions of Muslims will travel to Mecca to take part in important Hajj rituals.
When will Eid and Christmas be on the same day?
Christmas and Eid al-Fitr might fall on the same day in 2033. This could also happen in 2031. The reason is that Eid follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its date changes every year, moving earlier.
What to do on Eid al Adha?
On Eid al-Adha, begin by taking a nice, clean shower and putting on your best clothes. Go to the Eid prayer, then greet everyone with “Eid Mubarak!” If you can, take part in the Qurbani (animal sacrifice). The meat from it is shared with family, friends, and those who need help. Enjoy a big meal, give gifts to kids, and spend time celebrating with your loved ones!
What do you sacrifice on Eid al Adha?
During Eid al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice animals like goats, sheep, cows, buffalo, and camels. The animals have to be healthy and at the right age. This tradition honors the story of Ibrahim, who was ready to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. After the sacrifice, the meat is shared with family, friends, and those in need.