Eid ul-Adha is fast approaching and is a time to celebrate the blessed time and perform sacrifice. Many Muslims have already started buying sacrificial animals, ordering clothes for stitching, buying home decorations, and so on. However, performing Qurbani after completing Hajj and wearing your best clothes isn’t all that has to be done in order to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha. There are a number of other Sunnah acts of Eid ul-Adha that also take place on this day. Some of these activities are extremely important, so much so that they are regarded as Sunnah; acts that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) willingly performed himself.
In this post, we will look at some of the Sunnah of Eid ul-Adha. Muslims are encouraged to carry out the Sunnah throughout the day as it will enhance the celebrations of the day.
Many wonder when Eid ul-Adha 2025 in the UK is, so that they can be prepared for the blessed time. It is expected to begin on the evening of 6th June and end on the evening of 10th June 2025. Eid al-Adha occurs once the Hajj has been completed, which is on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah (the final month of the Islamic calendar). The Hajj pilgrimage is a Muslim’s obligation when they have the means to do so and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Eid ul-Adha celebrations start off with the ritual of Qurbani (the sacrifice of an animal) after the khutbah and Eid Salat (Eid prayers).
There are many important Sunnah acts of Eid ul-Adha that Muslims are encouraged to perform in order to celebrate the blessed day. Below are some of the most important ones to get the most out of the day and celebrate the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and His sacrifice.
Fajr prayer is one of the 5 prayers that are Farz (religious duty commanded by God) for Muslims every day. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) used to wake up early in the morning to make preparations for the Fajr Salah and then perform it. It is vital for you to do this too on Eid ul-Adha, as well as every day.
Take Ghusal for Salat al-Eid (Eid Salah)
Taking a Ghusal (bath) for Salat al-Eid is another Sunnah that you should follow as a follower of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Not only is hygiene important, but it also makes the prayer gathering and family festivities a pleasant affair.
Miswak is used for brushing teeth. It has become more of a personal preference for many Muslims. Some people use it whilst others don’t. However, brushing with Miswak has numerous benefits, one of them being keeping the teeth white. Miswak is easily available on various stalls during Eid ul-Adha, so finding it isn’t too difficult.
Eid is an occasion to dress up nicely and put on your best outfits. Muslims tend to celebrate Eid wearing clean clothes that are more formal than their daily attire. This isn’t just a Sunnah but a requirement as well for the days of Eid ul-Adha.
For those who are unfamiliar with it, Attar is a special fragrance for men. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) applied Attar on Eid occasions. Using Attar (non-alcoholic perfume) is a Sunnah and is also highly recommended for men as it creates a pleasant aura.
It’s not Eid without the proper prayers, and Salat al-Eid shouldn’t be skipped. Once Salat al-Eid has been completed, Muslims can begin the Qurbani ritual and then continue to distribute the meat accordingly in three equal sections: one for themselves, one for their neighbours and one for the poor.
It is important to understand Eid ul-Adha according to the Quran and Sunnah to find the importance and meaning of the celebration and how you should commemorate the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The Quran highlights the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son for Allah (SWT). However, the Quran doesn’t showcase Sunnah of Eid ul-Adha, but there are some Ayat where Allah (SWT) commands to sacrifice animals.
“And for every [religious] community We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And [O, Muhammad], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]” [Surah Al Hajj, Ayat 34]
“And complete the hajj and ‘umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your head until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice.” [Surah Al Baqarah, Ayat 196]
“That they may witness [i.e., attend] benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known [i.e., specific] days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.” [Surah Al Hajj, Ayat 28]
As Eid ul-Adha is the second Eid in the Islamic calendar, with the first being Eid ul-Fitr, many wonder if both celebrations follow similar Sunnah. Before Eid ul-Fitr, the holy month of Ramadan occurs, where Muslims fast for 30 days. This is Sunnah, and so, is there Sunnah fasting before Eid ul-Adha? There isn’t a requirement to fast before Eid ul-Adha, unlike during Ramadan. However, there is a day before Eid ul-Adha where Muslims are encouraged to fast. This is known as the day of Arafah, which takes place on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims are encouraged to fast on this day as many believe that doing so can repent for sins made in the past year and future years.
The Sunnah of Eid ul-Adha sacrifice is the most important act of celebration that highlights the extraordinary story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Sacrificing an animal is a very essential part of Eid ul-Adha celebrations, as it is what gives the event its meaning. It honours Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah (SWT) and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Ibrahim had a dream sent from Allah to sacrifice what he loved most, his only son. He shared this dream with Ismail and they both stayed devoted to Allah (SWT), walking together to the place of sacrifice. As Prophet Ibrahim went to sacrifice Prophet Ismail (AS) Allah (SWT) replaced him with a ram to reward Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering devotion.
Now, Eid ul-Adha symbolises this sacrifice, and a sacrifice of a fit and able animal, that meets the Qurbani rules, is slaughtered. This can be a goat, sheep, cow or camel. Once the animal is sacrificed, its meat is distributed in three equal parts to yourself, your family and neighbours, and the needy. This is an obligation to carry out if able to do so. However, due to strict rules in the UK for the slaughter of animals, it isn’t possible to make the sacrifice yourself. Due to this, it is best to donate your Qurbani to charity to ensure your duty is fulfilled. When you donate Qurbani to Muslim Aid, we give it to the poor in over 15 countries. We make sure your donation goes to those most in need to feed thousands of families this Eid, allowing them to celebrate properly with a nourishing meal.
Performing the ritual of Qurbani or undertaking the pilgrimage of Hajj is a mandatory requirement worthy of many blessings. Performing the additional Sunnah of Eid ul-Adha and reflecting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) earns more blessings and rewards for the same deed. Being followers of the Islamic faith, it is a good idea spiritually to incorporate Sunnah practice into our daily lives, especially when it comes to Eid celebrations and festivities. May Allah (SWT) accept the Hajj of millions of pilgrims performing Hajj and may we follow the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
We are a faith-based British international charity that provides help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, homelessness, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities.
© Copyright 2025. Muslim AidMuslim Aid - Help Muslims Around the World in Need . All Rights Reserved.
Charity CIO No. 1176462
Serving humanity since 1985.
