Eid al-Adha: A Guide to Celebrating the Festival of Sacrifice

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. Celebrated by Muslims worldwide, it commemorates the profound faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him), who was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah’s command.

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to the meaning, rituals, and global traditions associated with Eid al-Adha, helping Muslims and non-Muslims alike understand the spirit of this sacred festival.

1. The Origin and Meaning of Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and lasts for up to three days in most countries.

a. Commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s Test

According to Islamic tradition, Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail. As an act of absolute obedience, he agreed. However, Allah intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram, symbolizing divine mercy and the value of submission to God.

b. Connection to Hajj

Eid al-Adha coincides with the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The pilgrims perform the symbolic sacrifice as part of their rites, mirroring Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion.

2. The Ritual of Qurbani (Sacrifice)

A central ritual of Eid al-Adha is Qurbani—the sacrifice of a permitted animal such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel.

a. Who Performs Qurbani?

Qurbani is obligatory (wājib) for financially able Muslims. The meat is divided into three parts:

• One-third for the family
• One-third for relatives and friends
• One-third for the poor and needy

This act symbolizes sharing, compassion, and gratitude.

b. Ethical and Spiritual Aspects

The ritual reminds Muslims of the need for personal sacrifice, sincerity, and devotion. It's not about the meat itself, but the spirit behind the act:

“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.”
(Qur’an, 22:37)

3. Prayer and Celebration

a. Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid)

Eid al-Adha begins with a special congregational prayer, usually performed in open spaces or mosques. It includes:

• Two units (rak’ahs) of prayer
• A sermon (khutbah) that follows the prayer
• Recitation of Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) before and after the prayer

b. Community and Festivities

After prayer, Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” and spend the day:

• Visiting family and friends
• Sharing meals and sweets
• Donating to charity
• Reflecting on gratitude and faith

4. Global Traditions and Celebrations

Though the core religious practices are the same, Eid al-Adha is celebrated uniquely across different cultures:

• In Indonesia, people wear traditional clothing and prepare festive meals like ketupat and rendang.
• In Turkey, communities come together for public sacrifices and festive gatherings.
• In Nigeria, large communal prayers are followed by street festivals and feasting.
• In Western countries, Muslims often organize local Eid events, share food with neighbors, and donate Qurbani through international charities.

5. Giving and Charity (Sadaqah)

Eid al-Adha emphasizes charity and inclusion, ensuring that even the less fortunate can enjoy the day. Many Muslims donate:

• Money or meat to local shelters or food banks
• Qurbani shares through organizations that distribute meat worldwide

This promotes unity and social responsibility.

6. Spiritual Lessons from Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha teaches:

• Faith and Trust in God, like Prophet Ibrahim
• Sacrifice and Obedience, even when it’s difficult
• Compassion and Sharing, especially with the needy
• Gratitude for life’s blessings

Eid al-Adha is more than a religious celebration—it is a powerful reminder of devotion, humility, and generosity. As Muslims around the world commemorate this sacred event, they are united in spirit by the values of sacrifice, compassion, and faith.

While the ritual of animal sacrifice (Qurbani) is a significant part of Eid al-Adha, it’s important to understand that the act is symbolic—it honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice out of obedience to Allah. The true essence of Eid lies in the sacrifice of bad habits, selfishness, and negative behaviors, not in harming animals for pleasure.

Islam teaches kindness and mercy toward all creatures. Therefore, the sacrifice must be carried out ethically and respectfully, ensuring the animals are treated well and slaughtered humanely, avoiding any unnecessary suffering.

Muslims are encouraged to reflect on this deeply and to remember that spiritual sacrifice and improving ourselves are more important than the physical act of slaughtering. The best sacrifice is one that leads to better character, compassion, and care for all living beings.

May this Eid inspire us to nurture kindness in our hearts and to respect life in all its forms.

Eid Mubarak!