Origins of Eid al-Adha

In Islam, there are two major Eids (great festivals or feast days). Eid al‑Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, while Eid al‑Adha, often regarded as the greater Eid, takes place after the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and coincides with Qurbani (the ritual sacrifice).

Although Eid al‑Adha is not directly part of the Hajj rites, it is observed on the day after the conclusion of Hajj, which gives it particular significance in terms of timing.

Eid al‑Adha falls on the tenth day of the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, known as Dhu al‑Hijjah. The exact date of the celebration depends on the verified sighting of the new moon, following the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage. Performing Hajj is an obligation for all Muslims who meet specific criteria, and it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam (core beliefs and fundamental practices). They are: Declaration of Faith, Prayer, Almsgiving, Fasting and Hajj pilgrimage.

According to Islamic tradition, one of the major trials in the life of the Prophet Abraham was receiving and obeying Allah’s command to sacrifice his eldest son, Ishmael. Muslims firmly reject the Biblical claim that Isaac, Abraham’s second son, was the intended sacrifice. According to the Qur’an, Abraham had a series of recurring dreams in which he was sacrificing his son, so he understood it as a divine command. The Prophet Abraham therefore told his son,

"And when [his son] was old enough to walk with him, [Abraham] said: ‘O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice thee. So look, what thinkest thou?’ He said: ‘O my father! Do that which thou art commanded. Allah willing, thou shalt find me of the steadfast.’ "¹ 

Abraham prepared to submit to the will of Allah and to sacrifice his son as an act of faith and obedience. During this trial, Satan attempted to dissuade Abraham and his family from carrying out Allah’s command, but Abraham drove Satan away by throwing pebbles at him. In remembrance of this rejection of the devil, pilgrims in Mecca throw stones at pillars that symbolise the places where Satan tried to tempt Abraham.

Recognising Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice what was most precious to him, Allah honoured both Abraham and his son. The Angel Gabriel declared, “O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the revelations,” and presented a ram from heaven for Abraham to sacrifice in place of his son. When Muslims celebrate Eid al‑Adha, they commemorate both Abraham’s readiness to endure hardship for Allah’s sake and his son Ishmael’s willingness to give his life in obedience to Allah.

The word “Eid” appears once in Al‑Maidah, the fifth surah of the Qur’an, with the meaning of implied meaning of “festival” or “feast” as it is called “The Tablespread”.

Depending on the country, celebrations of Eid al‑Adha can last from two to four days. The act of Qurbani (sacrifice) takes place after the Eid Salah (Eid prayer), which is performed in congregation at the nearest mosque on the morning of Eid.

Qurbani involves slaughtering an animal as a sacrifice to mark the occasion, in remembrance of the Prophet Abraham’s devotion to Allah. This sacrifice is also known as udhiyah. The days for performing Qurbani span three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu al‑Hijjah.

The sacrificial animal may be a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull, or camel. A sheep, lamb, or goat counts as one Qurbani share, while a cow, bull, or camel counts as seven shares per animal. The animal must be healthy and above a minimum age, and it must be slaughtered in a halal, Islamically prescribed manner.

The meat from Qurbani is then divided into three equal portions for each share: one‑third for the person offering the sacrifice and their family, one‑third for friends and relatives, and one‑third for those in need. Nowadays a financial donation to the poor, needy or in charity is acceptable in lieu of an animal slaughter.

The day of Eid is one of happiness, normally spent celebrating with family, friends, and loved ones, often wearing new or best clothing and exchanging gifts to mark the occasion.

1. As-Saffat 37:102 - Pickthall