Eid ul-Adha falls in one of the holiest and most significant months in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is also the second of two blessed celebrations and is known as the greater Eid because it has a greater spiritual significance. In a hadith, this celebration’s significance is shown:
“The greatest of days before Allah is the Day of Sacrifice.” [Sahih Abi Dawud]
Eid ul-Adha comes at the time of Qurbani. This is where Muslims sacrifice an animal to Allah (SWT) to show their devotion and commemorate the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). This essential celebration is also in the very sacred month of Dhul Hijjah, falling on the 10th of the last Islamic month in the lunar calendar. This month isn’t only significant and holy due to Eid al-Adha and Qurbani; it is also the month where believers take on the spiritual Hajj pilgrimage. A Muslim must complete the Hajj at least once in their lifetime, when they have the means to do so. Eid ul-Adha occurs after the Hajj pilgrimage, so it also marks the end for those who have completed it.
So, when is Eid ul-Adha in England? The celebration in the Gregorian calendar is expected to begin on 6 June 2025, depending on the moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah. It is best to check with your local mosque closer to the time as the date can vary. However, it could help you to remember the celebration’s place in the lunar calendar, which is the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Eid ul-Adha is celebrated from the first day and lasts for three additional days after. These are known as the days of tashreeq where sacrifices are continued up until the sun sets on the fourth day of Eid (the last of the additional three days). This means that celebrations continue on the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
Many wonder why is Eid ul-Adha important? It is a very important celebration for Muslims worldwide as it commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Ibrahim (AS) began having multiple dreams where Allah (SWT) asked him to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS). The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) surrendered to Allah’s (SWT) command and stayed devoted to his faith. When the time came to sacrifice Ismail (AS), he told his son what he needed to do. Ismail (AS) understood and also stayed devoted to Allah (SWT), willingly and bravely going to Mount Arafat with his father, where the sacrifice would take place.
Once there, Ibrahim (AS) bound his son’s hands with rope, staying obedient to Allah (SWT) and his faith. Both men knew in their hearts that this sacrifice needed to be made as, though their love for one another was strong, their love for God was even stronger. Ibrahim (AS) held a knife to his son’s neck when Allah (SWT) intervened and prevented the sacrifice. He sent a white horned ram to reward the unwavering loyalty and love both men had for Him. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) slaughtered the animal in the name of Allah (SWT) and Ismail (AS) was spared.
This story reflects true devotion to Allah (SWT) and is something Muslims should bring into their own lives. It reminds believers to make sacrifices for Allah (SWT) and to truly devote themselves to Him. This is why Qurbani is performed in the days of Eid ul-Adha to show the same loyalty and obedience to their faith and God. The story reflects the importance of taqwa (consciousness of God) and highlights to believers that it isn’t enough to simply perform acts and rituals; they need to be done with awareness of Allah (SWT).
Eid ul-Adha celebrations take place not only to commemorate the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), but it is also a time to grow spiritually, spend time with family and loved ones, and give to those in need. The spirit of Eid ul-Adha is focused on strengthening faith and the ummah (community). This is done through the sacrifice, which allows Muslims to follow in the footsteps of Ibrahim (AS) while helping those less fortunate.
Traditionally, a believer will perform Qurbani. However, with strict slaughter regulations in the UK, it is not possible to perform Qurbani. Instead, a donation is made through a charitable organisation to reach those in desperate need. Due to this, Eid ul-Adha has become more about helping the needy and providing them with nutritious meals. The celebration brings believers together to help those in poverty-stricken communities around the world.
At Emaan Relief, we strive to reach the most vulnerable communities in society to work towards educating and empowering these individuals. You can help us achieve our mission of providing a sustainable future and eradicating poverty to those who need it most. Donate today to provide cooked meals to those who can’t afford them and allow vulnerable communities to feel the joy of Eid.
So, how do we celebrate Eid ul-Adha? Celebrations take on all forms across the Eid days, with the teaching of the Quran and Sunnah at the forefront. It is a time to bring family and friends together in celebration, support the community and the needy, and strengthen relationships with Allah (SWT). It is a joyous occasion that is reflected by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“The day of Arafah, the day of Sacrifice, and the days of al-Tashriq are our festival, us Muslims, and they are days of eating and drinking.” [Tirmidhi, 773]
The Eid ul-Adha celebrations begin with Takbir and Eid prayer to worship Allah (SWT) and strengthen their faith. The Eid prayer occurs in congregation in the morning of the first day. Beforehand, Muslims should take a shower, wear nice clothes and use perfume as it is Sunnah.
Once the prayer has finished, Muslims exchange Eid greetings and congratulate one another. Greetings for Eid ul-Adha can be as simple as “Eid ul-Adha Mubarak!” However, they can also come in the form of wishes, such as “Wishing you a blessed Eid ul-Adha!” May Allah accept your sacrifices and grant your prayers.”
After the Eid prayer, Qurbani sacrifices can be made, with many Muslims offering Qurbani right after the end of the Eid prayer. Doing this helps believers participate in the Sunnah of eating from the meat of Qurbani on the day of Eid ul-Adha. However, in the UK this isn’t possible. Believers make sure that the Eid ul-Adha celebrations still reflect this Sunnah by eating after the prayer.
Dua is made on the day as well to celebrate as it strengthens the bond between believers and Allah (SWT). Eid ul-Adha dua can be as simple as making sure the intention to perform Eid prayer is there. If you were to do this intention, the dua for Eid ul-Adha would be:
“Usolli sunnata ‘idil adha rak’ataini lillah ta’ala”
“I intend to pray the sunnah prayer of Eid Al Adha two raka’at for Allah, the exalted.”
Beside the spiritual Eid ul-Adha celebrations, Muslims celebrate the joyous occasion in numerous ways with their loved ones.
Eid ul-Adha is about helping others who are less fortunate to spread the joy of Eid. To celebrate Eid ul-Adha donate to Emaan Relief and help vulnerable communities across the world. We provide support and food to the people who need it most. By donating to us, you can help achieve our mission of eradicating poverty.
