Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the two most important celebrations in Islam. It commemorates the supreme act of faith and obedience shown by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when he was willing to sacrifice his own son on Allah’s command—and it is celebrated by over a billion Muslims worldwide with prayer, sacrifice, and sharing meat with family, friends, and the poor.
In this guide, you will learn the complete meaning of Eid al-Adha, the story behind it, when it falls, how it is celebrated, and the rules of Qurbani (sacrifice) based on the Quran and authentic Hadith.
Quick Facts About Eid al-Adha
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Festival of Sacrifice, Bakra Eid, Eid ul-Adha, Eid Qurban |
| Date (Islamic Calendar) | 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (lasts through 13th — Ayyam al-Tashreeq) |
| Linked To | Final days of Hajj pilgrimage |
| Commemorates | Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son on Allah’s command |
| Main Acts of Worship | Eid prayer (2 rakah), Qurbani (animal sacrifice), Takbir, charity |
| Quran Reference | Surah As-Saffat 37:100–111 |
| Duration | 4 days (10th–13th Dhul-Hijjah) |
What Is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha (“Festival of Sacrifice”) is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, immediately following the main rites of Hajj at Mina. It is one of the two major Eids in Islam, alongside Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
The festival centers on the Qurbani — the ritual sacrifice of a permissible animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) — performed in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) test of faith. The meat from the sacrifice is traditionally divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy, so that no one is left without a share in the celebration.
The Story Behind Eid al-Adha
The origin of Eid al-Adha goes back to one of the most powerful tests of faith in Islamic history. Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). Despite the immense difficulty of this command, both father and son submitted completely to Allah’s will.
Allah describes this moment in the Quran:
فَلَمَّا أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُ لِلْجَبِينِ وَنَادَيْنَاهُ أَنْ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا ۚ إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ ۚ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ الْبَلَاءُ الْمُبِينُ ۚ وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ
Transliteration: Falamma aslama wa tallahu liljabeen, wa nadaynahu an ya Ibrahimu qad saddaqtar-ru’ya, inna kazalika najzil muhsineen, inna haza lahuwal bala’ul mubeen, wa fadaynahu bizibhin ‘azeem.
English Translation: “So when they had both submitted to Allah, and he had laid him down on his forehead, We called out to him, ‘O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the dream.’ Indeed, this is how We reward the good-doers. That was truly a revealing test. And We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice.” (Surah As-Saffat 37:103–107)
As Ibrahim (AS) prepared to carry out the sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram at the last moment, sparing his life as a reward for their complete submission and trust. This act of divine mercy and the father-son’s unwavering obedience is what Muslims commemorate every year through the Qurbani.
Many scholars note that this story is also shared, with some differences, in the Judeo-Christian tradition (where the son is named Isaac), but the Islamic narration is preserved in the Quran as the account of Ibrahim and Ismail (AS).
Hadith About Eid al-Adha and Qurbani
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of this sacrifice. It is reported:
“Whoever has the means to sacrifice an animal but does not do so, let him not come near our place of Eid prayer.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3123, graded Hasan)
Aisha (RA) also narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Dhul-Hijjah than the shedding of blood (sacrifice). The sacrificed animal will come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed for reward), and the blood of the sacrifice reaches a position of acceptance from Allah before it even reaches the ground. So be pleased with it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3126, Sunan at-Tirmidhi)
These narrations highlight that Qurbani is not merely a ritual of meat distribution — it is an act of worship and submission, just as it was for Ibrahim (AS).
When Is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date shifts earlier by about 10–11 days each year. The exact date is confirmed by the sighting of the moon, which can vary slightly by country and the method of calculation followed by local Islamic authorities.
The celebration itself, including the days when Qurbani can be performed, extends across four days: the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah — known as Ayyam al-Tashreeq.
How Is Eid al-Adha Celebrated? (7 Essential Rituals)
1. Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid)
Muslims gather in congregation, usually at a mosque or an open ground, for a special two-rakah Eid prayer performed shortly after sunrise. Unlike regular prayers, there is no Adhan or Iqamah, and additional Takbirs (saying “Allahu Akbar”) are recited during the prayer.
2. The Khutbah (Sermon)
After the Eid prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon reminding the congregation of the meaning of sacrifice, the story of Ibrahim and Ismail (AS), and the importance of charity and community.
3. Takbir
Starting from the first of Dhul-Hijjah and especially on the days of Eid, Muslims recite the Takbir:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd
(“Allah is the Greatest… There is no god but Allah… and to Allah belongs all praise.”)
4. Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice)
The central ritual of Eid al-Adha. An eligible Muslim sacrifices a permissible animal — sheep, goat, cow, or camel — meeting specific age and health conditions, after the Eid prayer.
5. Distribution of Meat
The meat is divided into three shares: for one’s own family, for relatives and friends, and for the poor and needy — ensuring the celebration reaches everyone in the community.
6. Wearing New or Best Clothes
As with Eid al-Fitr, Muslims dress in their best or new clothes to mark the joy of the occasion.
7. Visiting Family and Charity
Muslims spend the days visiting relatives, exchanging greetings (“Eid Mubarak”), and giving extra charity (Sadaqah) to those in need.
Rules of Qurbani (Who Must Sacrifice and What Animal Qualifies)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who must perform Qurbani | Every adult Muslim who is financially capable (nisab) — view differs slightly by madhab |
| Eligible animals | Sheep, goat (1 year+), cow/buffalo (2 years+), camel (5 years+) |
| Health condition | Animal must be free from visible defects, disease, or disability |
| Sacrifice window | 10th to 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (Ayyam al-Tashreeq) |
| Shared sacrifice | A cow or camel may be shared by up to 7 people; sheep/goat counts for one person (or one household) |
| Distribution | 1/3 family, 1/3 relatives & friends, 1/3 poor & needy (recommended, not strictly mandatory in all schools) |
Eid al-Adha vs Eid al-Fitr: What’s the Difference?
| Eid al-Adha | Eid al-Fitr |
|---|---|
| Date | 10th Dhul-Hijjah |
| Marks | End of Hajj, Ibrahim’s (AS) sacrifice |
| Main Ritual | Qurbani (animal sacrifice) |
| Duration | 4 days |
| Known As | Festival of Sacrifice, Bakra Eid |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Eid al-Adha? Eid al-Adha means “Festival of Sacrifice.” It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah, who then replaced the boy with a ram.
Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on Eid al-Adha? The sacrifice (Qurbani) symbolizes Ibrahim’s (AS) complete submission to Allah’s command and his willingness to give up what he loved most. Muslims perform it today to commemorate this act of faith and to share meat with family and the poor.
How long does Eid al-Adha last? It is observed over four days — from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, known as Ayyam al-Tashreeq.
Is Eid al-Adha the same as Bakra Eid? Yes. “Bakra Eid” is a common South Asian name for Eid al-Adha, referring to the goat (“bakra”) commonly sacrificed during the festival.
Can one animal be sacrificed on behalf of multiple people? Yes, for a cow, buffalo, or camel, up to seven people can share in one sacrifice. A sheep or goat, however, counts only for one person or household.
Is Qurbani obligatory for everyone? Most scholars consider it obligatory (wajib) or a strongly recommended Sunnah for every financially capable adult Muslim, though views differ slightly between madhabs — consult your local scholar for specifics on your situation.
Conclusion
Eid al-Adha is far more than a festival of feasting — it is a living reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) total trust and submission to Allah, and a call for every Muslim to reflect that same spirit of sacrifice, gratitude, and generosity in their own lives. From the Eid prayer at dawn to the sharing of Qurbani meat with the poor, every ritual of this blessed day connects believers back to that timeless story of faith.
May Allah accept our sacrifices and grant us the sincerity of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS). Eid Mubarak.
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- What Are the Ramadan Rules? Complete Fasting Guide
- How to Pray Namaz: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- 10 Important Daily Duas Every Muslim Should Know
- 99 Names of Allah with Meaning
Sources & References
- Quran, Surah As-Saffat 37:100–111 — Quran.com
- Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3123 & 3126 — Sunnah.com
- Sunan at-Tirmidhi — Sunnah.com
- IslamQA — rulings on Qurbani and Eid al-Adha
Written by: Abdul Wahab Reviewed by: Hafiz Munir Ahmed Last reviewed: October 2026
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified scholar for in-depth religious rulings specific to their madhab or situation.
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