Eid al-Adha

Allah commands you to seek knowledge

“My Lord, increase me in knowledge” (Surah Ta-Ha 20:114). DeenUp turns that command into a daily habit — a swipeable feed of bite-sized, scholar-approved Islamic lessons, quick quizzes, and daily streaks.

Download DeenUp on the App Store

What is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha draws its name from two Arabic roots: ʿ-w-d, meaning "to return," reflecting the festival's recurring yearly celebration, and ḍ-ḥ-y, related to the forenoon hour (duha) when the sacrifice is traditionally offered. Together, the name signals a returning day set apart for sacrifice and remembrance.

Theologically, Eid al-Adha commemorates one of the most powerful stories of submission in Islamic tradition: Prophet Ibrahim's (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to a divine command received in a dream, and Allah's mercy in replacing the boy with a ram at the final moment. The episode encapsulates the very meaning of "Islam" — submission to Allah's will, even when it demands the hardest sacrifice imaginable.

Historically, the holiday has been observed since the earliest years of the Muslim community and is inseparably tied to the annual Hajj pilgrimage, occurring as pilgrims complete the central rites at Mina. Islamic scholars across centuries have written extensively on the rulings of udhiyah (ritual sacrifice), including who is obligated to perform it, the qualifying animals, and the proper distribution of the meat.

Spiritually, the sacrifice is never really about the animal itself; it is a symbolic surrender of one's attachment to wealth, comfort, and self-interest for the sake of Allah. It is an act of gratitude that mirrors Ibrahim's trust, reminding believers that true faith sometimes calls for giving up what is most dear.

In practice today, Muslims around the world begin the day with a special congregational prayer, followed by the sacrifice of an eligible animal — commonly a sheep, goat, cow, or camel — with the meat shared among family, friends, and those in need. Many charitable organizations now coordinate large-scale qurbani drives, extending the holiday's spirit of generosity to underserved communities across the globe.

Examples of Eid al-Adha

• Qurbani (sacrifice): Muslims sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow, or camel and share the meat among family, friends, and the poor.
• Eid prayer: Communities gather for a special congregational prayer (Salat al-Eid) shortly after sunrise.
• Hajj rites at Mina: Pilgrims performing Hajj mark the day with the stoning of the pillars and the sacrifice, echoing Ibrahim's obedience.
• Charitable distribution: Families set aside a portion of sacrificial meat specifically for those in need, embodying the holiday's spirit of generosity.

References in Qur'an & Hadith

"And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." — Surah As-Saffat 37:107

"Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you." — Surah Al-Hajj 22:37

"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]." — Surah Al-Kawthar 108:2