Eid al-Adha — عِيدُ الْأَضْحَى — is the Festival of Sacrifice: celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, coinciding with the completion of Hajj. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim ﷺ to sacrifice his son Ismail ﷺ in obedience to Allah’s ﷻ command — and Allah’s ﷻ mercy in providing a ram as a substitute. It is the greater of the two Islamic Eids and lasts three days (the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah).
The Day of Arafah before Eid
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah — the Day of Arafah — is the most important day of the Islamic year for those not on Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year (Muslim 1162). Muslims not performing Hajj fast on the 9th, make abundant dua, and increase dhikr in anticipation of the day being answered — the Prophet ﷺ described it as the day when Allah ﷻ boasts about the pilgrims and forgives extensively.
The qurbani (sacrifice)
The qurbani — slaughter of a sheep, goat, cow (shared between seven), or camel (shared between seven) — is a confirmed Sunnah for every Muslim who has the means. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our prayer place.” (Ibn Majah 3123 — scholars note this is a strong warning). The meat is divided into thirds: one third for the family, one third for neighbours and friends, one third for the poor. The qurbani is performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th or on the 11th or 12th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice — the greater of Islam’s two Eids, celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It commemorates Ibrahim’s ﷺ willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah ﷻ. It involves the Eid prayer, the qurbani (animal sacrifice divided among family, neighbours, and poor), fasting the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) for those not on Hajj, and the Eid takbeers from the 9th through the 13th.
What is the best day to fast in the year?
The Day of Arafah — the 9th of Dhul Hijjah — is the best day to fast for those not performing Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year (Muslim 1162). No other voluntary fast has this specific double-year expiation attached to it, making it the most rewarded single-day fast available to the non-pilgrim Muslim.
Fast the 9th. Pray the Eid. Give the qurbani. Visit the family. The days of Eid al-Adha are among the greatest days of the year. Use every one of them.