Eid al-Adha
The Festival of Sacrifice, honoring Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.
Eid al-Adha falls on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar, the day after the Day of Arafah during the Hajj. It moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years.
When Is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha falls on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar, the day after the Day of Arafah during the Hajj. It moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons over about 33 years.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, and God's mercy in providing a ram as a substitute. It marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage.
How It Is Observed
Eid prayer, ritual sacrifice of an animal (qurbani), distributing meat to family, neighbors, and the poor. Pilgrims in Mecca complete the Hajj. Fasting on the Day of Arafah (the day before).
Sacred Text
“And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, "O Abraham, you have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.”
, Quran 37:103-105 ↗