Eid al-Adha
June 7
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic holidays, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It occurs annually during the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah, following the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
Table of Contents
- When is Eid al-Adha?
- The History of Eid al-Adha?
- What Do People Do on This Day?
- The Five Pillars of Islam
When is Eid al-Adha?
The date of Eid al-Adha varies each year as it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar. It marks the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The specific date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, so it may vary by a day in different countries.
The following is the list of Eid al-Adha from 2020 to 2049.
The History of Eid al-Adha
The history of Eid al-Adha originates from the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was tested by Allah to demonstrate his unwavering faith. Allah commanded Ibrahim in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael).
Despite the difficulty, Ibrahim prepared to obey, showing complete submission to Allah's will. As Ibrahim was about to carry out the command, Allah intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. This event symbolizes Ibrahim's devotion and Allah's mercy.
Eid al-Adha was formalized as a significant Islamic holiday during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad. He emphasized the importance of sacrifice as a way to seek closeness to Allah, support the less fortunate, and remember Ibrahim's submission.
The act of Qurbani (animal sacrifice) became a central practice of Eid al-Adha, symbolizing gratitude and devotion to Allah.
In the early days of Islam, Eid al-Adha was observed with simplicity, focusing on prayer, sacrifice and community sharing. The Eid prayer became an integral part of the day, emphasizing gratitude to Allah.
As Islam spread across various regions, Eid al-Adha became enriched with cultural practices unique to different Muslim communities, while the core principles remained unchanged.
Today, Eid al-Adha is celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide. The rituals of prayer, sacrifice, and charity are accompanied by festive meals, family gatherings, and community events.
What Do People Do on This Day?
Eid al-Adha is a significant day for Muslims worldwide, filled with religious observances, family traditions and community activities.
Muslims gather in mosques or large open spaces early in the morning for the special Eid prayer. The prayer consists of two units and is followed by a sermon that emphasizes themes of faith, sacrifice, and charity.
After the prayer, Muslims offer supplications thanking Allah for His blessings and seeking forgiveness and guidance.
The central ritual of Eid al-Adha is the Qurbani (animal sacrifice), commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and Allah's mercy in providing a ram as a substitute.
The sacrificed animal is usually a sheep, goat, cow or camel, depending on regional and economic factors. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and relatives and one-third for the less fortunate.
Muslims ensure that everyone, including the poor and underprivileged, can participate in the celebrations by sharing meat and giving monetary donations.
Families prepare and enjoy elaborate meals featuring dishes made with the Qurbani meat. Meals are shared with friends, neighbors, and the community, fostering bonds of unity and goodwill.
Muslims dress in their finest or new clothes, symbolizing joy, purity and respect for the occasion, but the traditional attire varies by culture.
Some Muslims also visit the graves of loved ones, offering prayers and reflecting on their memories.
Families and children enjoy exchanging gifts and monetary gifts, attending festivals, or engaging in outdoor activities.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam are the fundamental acts of worship and the core principles that every Muslim is obligated to follow. These pillars form the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practices, emphasizing submission to Allah, spiritual discipline and community.
1. Shahada (Faith): The Declaration of Faith
Shahada is the first and most essential pillar, serving as the entry point into Islam. It affirms the monotheistic belief in Allah as the one and only deity and Muhammad as His final prophet.
2. Salah (Prayer): The Ritual Prayer
Muslims are required to pray five times a day at specific times: Fajr (before dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (just after sunset) and Isha (night).
Salah is an act of worship that connects Muslims directly to Allah, and it fosters discipline, humility, and spiritual growth.
3. Zakat (Charity): Giving to the Needy
Zakat is an obligatory charity given to those in need, amounting to a specific percentage (usually 2.5%) of a Muslim's savings and wealth.
Zakat purifies wealth, promotes social equity, and helps reduce poverty, and it reflects the Islamic values of compassion and community support.
4. Sawm (Fasting): Observing the Fast During Ramadan
Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn to sunset.
Fasting teaches self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual reflection, and it is an act of worship that strengthens one's relationship with Allah.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): The Journey to Mecca
Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, performed once in a lifetime by Muslims who are physically and financially able.
Hajj commemorates the actions of Prophet Ibrahim and his family, including the sacrifice and construction of the Kaaba. It symbolizes unity, and submission to Allah, as all pilgrims wear simple white garments (Ihram) to stand as equals before Allah.
