Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى), the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major holidays in Islam and is considered by many scholars to be the greater of the two Eids. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command, and Allah's mercy in providing a ram as a substitute.
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall on approximately Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). The exact date depends on the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah and may vary by one or two days depending on location.
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The origin of Eid al-Adha goes back to Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who saw in a dream that Allah commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (peace be upon him). Both father and son submitted to Allah's will with complete faith. When Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, accepting Ibrahim's devotion and obedience. This event is commemorated by Muslims worldwide through the annual Qurbani (animal sacrifice).
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Who must do Qurbani? | Every adult Muslim who can afford it (above Nisab threshold) |
| Animals accepted | Sheep, goat (1 per person), cow, buffalo, camel (1 per 7 people) |
| Age requirements | Sheep/goat: 1+ year. Cow/buffalo: 2+ years. Camel: 5+ years |
| Timing | After Eid prayer on 10th Dhul Hijjah through sunset on 12th Dhul Hijjah |
| Meat distribution | Traditionally: 1/3 family, 1/3 relatives/friends, 1/3 poor |
The day before Eid al-Adha is the Day of Arafah, considered the most important day of the Islamic year. Fasting on this day (for non-pilgrims) expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year, according to the hadith in Sahih Muslim. The Day of Arafah 2026 is expected on approximately May 26, 2026.
🤲 Ensure your financial obligations are fulfilled. Use our Zakat Calculator to check your Zakat status before Eid.
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected around Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). The exact date depends on moon sighting.
Scholars differ. The Hanafi school considers it Wajib (obligatory) for every adult Muslim who meets the Nisab threshold. Other schools consider it Sunnah Mu'akkadah (strongly recommended). Either way, it is a highly encouraged act of worship.
Most scholars say that Qurbani specifically requires an animal sacrifice — donating the equivalent money does not replace it. However, you can donate to organizations that perform the sacrifice on your behalf.
Yes, fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is highly recommended for non-pilgrims. The Prophet said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
The traditional Sunnah is to divide the Qurbani meat into three parts: one third for your family, one third for relatives and friends, and one third for the poor and needy.
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