Eid al-Adha is one of the most profound events to take place in Islamic history and continues to hold significance today. Many Muslims around the world come together to celebrate this event and carry out their Islamic duties to go with it. Stay with us as we walk you through the ins and outs of Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the two main Islamic Festivals, and although they have a similar first name, they actually have two different rulings.
Eid al-Fitr is a celebration for the completion of Ramadan and of Muslims fasting. It takes place on the 1st of Shawwal (the 10th Islamic month). A special prayer called Eid Salah is read in congregation. There is a mandatory charity to be paid before the Eid Prayer called Zakat al-Fitr. The tradition usually involves gathering with family, wearing new clothes and giving Eid gifts (known as Eidi), followed by enjoying good food.
Eid al-Adha on the other hand, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) sacrifice. This event takes place on the 10th of Dhual-Hijjah (the 12th Islamic month). This event is in direct correlation of Hajj pilgrimage and fasting is encourages on the Day of Arafah. There is also a special Eid Prayer that takes place but it is followed by a Qurbani (sacrifice). The charity given on Eid al-Adha is the distribution of the Animal meat to the needy. This day consists of slaughtering an animal, distributing the meat and thinking about Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his legacy.
In the UK, Eid al-Adha 2025 will likely fall on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is expected to be around June 6–7, 2025 (subject to moon sighting).
The day will begin with Eid Salah (Prayer). A large congregation of Eid prayers will take place in mosques across the UK. Prayers are also known to be held in parks and community centres in large cities such as London, Birmingham, Bradford and Manchester. Please note that the prayer takes places shortly after sunrise (around 07:00-09:00 AM) but be sure to check in with your local mosque council for accurate information.
There will be large community gatherings taking place as many Muslims host Eid with family and friends, some will also host events and funfairs. Simultaneously, Islamic organisations will put in a joint effort to try and aim to distribute the Qurbani meat across all those who are in need.
The Eid al-Adha animal sacrifice consists of a many factors. To break things down to bitesize pieces so they are easy to comprehend, one must begin with a basic understanding of its meaning and purpose.
Eid al-Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering faith and submission to Allah’s command. As narrated in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat 37:102-107), Ibrahim (AS) was tested when he was instructed to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). At the last moment, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, symbolising divine mercy and the acceptance of sacrifice as an act of devotion.
Over the years Qurbani still reflects the same principles. The ability to submit to Allah, just like prophet Ibrahim (AS) obeyed Allah and his command without hesitation, Muslims still surrender their will wholeheartedly to Allah. Generosity is also a major factor of Qurbani. As meat is distributed to the poor, communities are connected ensuring everyone gets to experience and enjoy Eid al-Adha. Lastly, not to mention how Qurbani is a constant reminder for Muslims to show gratitude and be thankful to Allah for his sustenance and provision.
The Qurbani sacrifice must meet Islamic guidelines. Meaning the animal should be healthy, free from illness or defects. The eligible set of animals include goats, sheep, cows, and camels (with larger animals shared among multiple people). You must also be mindful about how age plays a role in the selection process. The minimum age for sheep/goats is at least one year old, for cows/buffaloes at least two years old, and for camels at least five years old.
Now moving on to the sacrifice. The sacrifice should take place after Eid Salah on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. The Tasmiyah (Bismillah, Allahu Akbar) must be recited before slaughtering, acknowledging Allah’s name. lastly, a sharp knife is used to minimise pain, and the jugular veins are cut swiftly to allow quick blood drainage.
Islamic tradition mandates that Qurbani meat be divided into three equal parts. One-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends and lastly, one-third for the poor and needy. This ensures that the blessing of Eid reaches everyone, including the less fortunate.
Islam strictly requires kindness and mercy to be show towards animals. This is to ensure the sacrifice is as humane as possible. You are obliged to provide proper care, making surer the animal is well fed, hydrated and kept in a stress-free environment before sacrifice. The usage of a sharp knife is also important as this minimises unnecessary suffering. Another major rule is to ensure you keep the animal dignified, do not wave the knife around and show them other animals being slaughtered. And from a hygiene perspective, please ensure the blood and remains are cleaned respectfully.
Sometimes due to the nature of our circumstances, we are not able to carry out a Qurbani by ourselves. So as an alternative, there are measures put in place to make sure your duty remains fulfilled. Many Islamic charities offer the option to donate qurbani on behalf of individuals. They take care of distributing the meat to communities that need the help, including refugees and innocent civilians from war effected areas. One major benefit of donating to a charity for Qurbani is that they can support communities in crises directly, such as Palestine and Yemen.
May Allah SWT accept your Qurbani and grant blessings to all. Ameen.
Embracing the feast of sacrifice means to prepare in the appropriate manner. We encourage all readers to fast on the day of Arafah. When fasting on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (Say of Arafah), Muslims sins can be expiated for the past and upcoming year. You can look into this further in the Sahih Muslim Hadith.
Another way one can prepare for Eid al-Adha is to increase your Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah). By reciting Takbeer from the 9th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, you can moisten your tongue with the supplication of Allah SWT. Recite:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd.”
It is important to note that recitation and actions are physical requirements to gain rewards but true benefactors activate by setting the right intentions from the outset. Being sincere in your approach when seeking Allah’s mercy can guarantee a pure heart when approaching Eid.
You may also this time to reflect upon the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). By thinking about the sacrifice that was made, you are able to strengthen your faith and increase devotion to the most high!
Take the time to really spend your wealth in charitable ways, support those in need. May it be a fellow neighbour, a family member or a complete stranger, do good and spread kindness and surely your reward is with Allah SWT the most merciful, the all-knowing and the just.
Islam gives you the ability to strengthen your faith through the power of duas. A Muslim deepens their connection to Allah SWT. Just like Prophet Ibrahim (AS) submitted to Allah’s command, making dua reminds believers to surrender their will to him. Duas open you up to adopting the attitude of gratitude. Meaning, Muslims are able to express thankfulness for Allah’s guidance and of what he provides from his sustenance. Duas are an excellent way to seek Allah’s forgiveness and to cleanse the spirit.
The Power of Dua on the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice is not to be underestimated. As we know, Eid al-Adha holds great importance due its spiritual benefactors. There is no limit as to how many duas one can make on this special occasion and the beauty of Islam is, that you can make dua about anything your heart desires. From forgiveness, to the wellbeing of your loved ones, duas are a fantastic way to ask Allah SWT directly. Take a look at the duas below so you can make them on Eid al-Adha:
“Allahumma inni as’aluka al-‘afwa wal-‘afiyah fid-dunya wal-akhirah.”
(اللهم إني أسألك العفو والعافية في الدنيا والآخرة)
Meaning: “O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this life and the Hereafter.”
“Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh.”
(أستغفر الله وأتوب إليه)
Meaning: “I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance.”
This dua is particularly significant during Eid al-Adha, as it aligns with the spirit of sacrifice and submission to Allah.
“Rabbana taqabbal minna innaka Antas-Sami’ul-‘Alim.”
(رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ)
Meaning: “Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:127)
“Alhamdulillahi alladhi binimatihi tatimmus-salihat.”
(الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي بِنِعْمَتِهِ تَتِمُّ الصَّالِحَاتُ)
Meaning: “All praise is due to Allah, by whose favour good deeds are completed.”
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