What Is Eid ul Adha in Islam?
Eid ul Adha is the greater Eid. It falls on the 10th of Dhu al Hijjah, the final holy month of the Islamic calendar, marking the end of the hajj pilgrimage. Millions return from hajj in Makkah around this time. Three days of celebration follow. Sometimes four, depending on scholarly opinion.
Most people know Eid ul Fitr. That one ends Ramadan. Eid ul Adha, also written Eid al Adha, is something else entirely because it was built around sacrifice and giving up what you hold closest to God. Muslims worldwide stand for the morning salah, then qurbani is carried out. Family gathers. Friends visit. But at the heart of Eid ul Adha festivities sits one idea: nothing you own belongs to you more than it belongs to Allah (SWT).
The Story Behind Eid ul Adha:
Sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
Allah commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. His beloved son Ismail. Ibrahim's willingness to walk toward that command, no hesitation at all, is what every qurbani on earth points back to.
Ibrahim took his son to the place of offering. Allah (SWT) intervened at the final moment. A ram was placed in Ismail's stead. Father and son, an entire family tested, had both proven their loyalty to God sat above everything they possessed.
Muslims perform Qurbani because of this act. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself never missed a single year. Giving qurbani on Eid ul Adha ties every believer closer to Ibrahim's original act of obedience. A sacred act repeated across fourteen centuries.
SUNNAH AND ETIQUETTES OF EID UL ADHA
Eid Prayer Method
Two rakats with additional takbirs. Three extra takbirs in the first rakat before Surah Al-Fatiha. Three in the second before ruku. A khutbah is delivered by the imam afterward. Stay for it.
Takbir Tashreeq: Meaning & Days
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd. After every obligatory salah, from Fajr on the 9th of Dhu al Hijjah through Asr on the 13th. Five straight days. Men say it aloud. Women softly. On hajj pilgrimage or at home, every Muslim is united by this.
Sunnah Duas on Eid
Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum. May Allah accept from us and from you. Visit loved ones. Share food.
Sunnah Actions Before Eid Prayer
On Eid ul Adha morning, bathe, put on your best clothes, apply fragrance. Unlike Eid ul Fitr, food should not be eaten before the salah. Eat from your own sacrifice first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Qurbani
The qurbani is invalidated entirely if the sacrifice happens before the salah. People forget the niyyah. They hoard everything instead of distributing it. Or they treat qurbani as just a ritual when it is actually a sacred act of obedience. The third day passes and they still have not acted on it. Qurbani rules exist to prevent all of these.
ZAKAT APPLICABLE PROJECTS
Why Perform Qurbani Through Al Mustafa USA?
Shariah-Compliant Qurbani Process
Islamic guidelines are followed by Al Mustafa USA at every stage. Each animal is sourced from local suppliers, verified for age and good health, and the sacrifice is carried out under Islamic supervision.
Reaching the Most Needy Worldwide
Twenty-one countries around the world are covered by Al Mustafa's qurbani projects. Needy families and vulnerable people are identified by local teams. Qurbani meat is distributed on the same day the ummah celebrates. Whether you are giving qurbani for yourself or on behalf of a family member, each share is handled with care.
Transparency, Trust & Impact
Confirmation is sent to you once your qurbani is complete. Over 3.5 million people have been reached by Al Mustafa USA. Donate your qurbani today.