Eid always brings a smile on a Muslim's face whether it’s Eid ul-Adha or Eid ul-Fitr. Eid ul-Adha in England is a religious event that will occur for British Muslims, where faith and spirituality will be heightened. There will be animal sacrifices taking place with fun community gatherings.

So, why do we celebrate Eid ul-Adha? It is the most notable holiday in the Islamic year and is celebrated by Muslims around the world. It is also the larger of the two Eid's in the Islamic calendar. Eid ul-Adha occurs during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic year, which is also the holiest.

Due to the magnitude of the celebration of Eid ul-Adha, there is a breakout of festivities all across the globe, with Muslims partaking in traditional rituals. The common way to celebrate is to wear a fresh new outfit, visit loved ones, cook the best recipes and gift your favourite people. It is also a tradition to give money to family and friends. From the Qurbani sacrifices to the Hajj, Eid ul-Adha is an extremely busy yet rewarding time for Muslims everywhere. Read on to discover more about how Eid ul-Adha is celebrated.

The Significance of Continuing the Good Deeds of Ramadan

During Eid ul-Adha, one must also try their best to carry on their good deeds post-Ramadan. Although the holy month of Ramadan has passed by, it is vital to continually reflect on one's actions and refine their personality, until it is rendered to be the best of those from the Muslim Ummah. Continue to eliminate profanity from your vocabulary, be generous all year round to the elderly and orphans, fight the urge to listen to music, refrain from backbiting and oppressing others. As we know the devil (Shaytan) will be released and amongst society, so it is crucial to work extra hard on being a good Muslim. May Allah (SWT) grant us the strength to remain steadfast until the end of time In’Sha’Allah.

What is Qurbani Eid?

Eid ul-Adha is otherwise known as Qurbani Eid, a time when Muslims are required to make a sacrifice in the name of Allah (SWT). This stems from the sacrifice that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was willing to make, as detailed in the Qur’an.

The Qurbani Eid Story

As previously mentioned, the significance of Qurbani stems from the sacrifice that Ibrahim (AS) was willing to make under Allah’s (SWT) command. Allah (SWT) came to Ibrahim in a dream and instructed that he must sacrifice the most valuable thing in his life, which was his son, Ismail (AS). Without hesitation, both Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) agreed and made their way to Mount Arafat to carry out the sacrifice. Ismail (AS) requested that he be bound by ropes to prevent him from struggling, whilst Ibrahim (AS) wished to be blindfolded so he didn’t have to witness his son’s suffering.

Ibrahim (AS) went ahead and made the sacrifice, or so he thought. Upon removing his blindfold, he found that Ismail (AS) stood before him, alive and well, whilst a slaughtered ram lay in his place. In order to reward the pair for their undying commitment to him, Allah (SWT) saved Ismail (AS).

So, when was Eid ul-Adha first celebrated? The first celebration dates back to this event, commemorating Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion to Allah (SWT). Muslims worldwide mirror this same loyalty during this celebration.

The Eid ul-Adha Qurbani Rules

For a sacrifice to count as Qurbani, it must adhere to a series of Qurbani Eid rules. Traditionally, Muslims would sacrifice an animal and divide it into three equal portions, wherein one portion would be kept by the individual making the sacrifice, the second would be given to their family/friends, and the final piece would be given to the needy.

The animal being sacrificed must meet specific criteria:

• Goats and sheep must be at least one year old
• Buffalos and cows must be at least two years old
• Camels must be at least five years old

Additionally, all Qurbani animals must be in good health, meaning they must:

• Be capable of walking without a limp
• Not have lost over a third of their sight
• Not have lost over a third of their tail
• Not have lost more than 50% of their teeth
• Not have broken horns

When is Eid ul-Adha 2025?

Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar year, the date of Eid ul-Adha in England and worldwide will differ each year. Eid ul-Adha is always observed on the 10th Dhul Hijjah, but the date in the Gregorian calendar varies. Eid ul-Adha 2025 is expected to fall on 6 June and end on 10 June, subject to moon sighting.

Eid ul-Adha Traditions

Like all religious festivals, the celebration of Eid ul-Adha follows many traditions. In addition to the sacrifices and meat distribution, meat is also shared amongst groups during the preaching of Takbir. Takbir is the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is great.” This is spoken before and after performing the Eid ul-Adha prayer across the three days.

Furthermore, Eid ul-Adha is a time when Muslims dress in elegant clothing for the Eid prayers. Women of the household often prepare sweets like ma’amoul (stuffed shortbread cookies), which are enjoyed during the Eid celebrations.

How to Perform Eid ul-Adha Prayer

One of the most significant aspects of how Eid ul-Adha is celebrated is the special prayer, known as Salat al-Eid. Many wonder how to perform the Eid ul-Adha prayer? It is a two-unit (Rak’ah) prayer performed in congregation, followed by a sermon (Khutbah). The prayer consists of additional Takbirs—seven in the first Rak’ah and five in the second—symbolizing the greatness of Allah (SWT). Performing Eid ul-Adha prayer marks the beginning of the celebrations and is usually observed in open spaces or mosques.

Celebrate Eid ul-Adha with Muslim Aid

Although it’s tradition for Muslims to make a sacrifice themselves during Qurbani, this isn’t always possible. For instance, in the UK, laws inhibit individuals from slaughtering animals outside of a slaughterhouse. Therefore, Eid ul-Adha in England is often observed by making a Qurbani donation to a Muslim charity such as Muslim Aid.

We will use your donation to sacrifice an animal in an Islamic country in accordance with the Qur’an and distribute the meat to those in need. Donate today to fulfil your Islamic duty to Allah (SWT) and feed the hungry with Muslim Aid.