The Eid ul-Adha 2023 date runs from Wednesday, 28 June, to Saturday, 1 July, beginning with Eid Salaah and ending with Qurbani.

This is a time when Muslims come together globally to give praise to Allah (SWT) and to give help to one another in the form of generous donations.

What is Eid ul-Adha?

Eid ul-Adha is the celebration where Muslims everywhere remember the ultimate sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to make.

The Qurbani Eid story states that in a submission to Allah’s (SWT) will and defiance of the Devil Shaitan, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) went to the top of Mount Arafat to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS). At the final moment, Allah (SWT) miraculously moved the boy to safety and replaced his place on the altar with an animal– a ram.

Eid ul-Adha happens every year in the holy month of Dhu-al-Hijjah, the month of the Hajj, but since the Islamic calendar is lunar rather than solar, it moves around the Gregorian calendar year, sometimes by as much as 10 to 11 days.

Muslims know Eid ul-Adha by many names, including the Feast of Sacrifice, the Festival of the Lamb, the Pilgrimage Feast, and the Great Day.

When is Eid al-Adha 2023?

Eid ul-Adha 2023 (it is also known as Eid al-Adha) celebrations are projected to take place between Wednesday, 28 June and Saturday, 1 July, depending on the sighting of the moon. This is when the traditional Udhiyah animal sacrifice for Qurbani will take place before it is then delivered to those who are most in need.

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani marks the end of the Eid ul-Adha festival and takes place after the Day of Arafah. It is the ritual slaughtering of an animal – either a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull, buffalo, or camel. The Qurbani Eid rules state that slaughter must be done in a Halal way, meaning it is humane and carefully organised to meet standards Allah (SWT) dictated to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Qur’an.

The animal for the sacrifice is paid for by every Muslim household and every member of that household. If someone does not have income, another person can pay on their behalf, usually the head of the household.

Where Does the Praise Happen?

Muslims praise Allah (SWT) in their prayers and worship amidst Eid Salaah, making special time to visit the Mosque to perform specific and special prayers not often seen at other times of the year.

Where Does the Giving Happen?

Giving happens at the Qurbani, as the meat from the sacrificed animals is then supposed to be shared out among people experiencing poverty. 

Muslim Aid collects financial Qurbani donations every Eid ul-Adha so that Muslims in countries like the UK can ensure those elsewhere, who are facing poverty and hardship, can still enjoy and celebrate the festival of Eid ul-Adha.

Why does Eid-ul-Adha 2023 matter?

Qurbani Eid 2023 is an important time for Muslims across the UK to come together and offer sacrifices to Allah’s (SWT) will in the same submissive spirit of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Around the world, particularly in developing countries, millions of Muslim brothers and sisters are living in poverty without the basic necessities they require.

Giving UK Qurbani donations to Muslim Aid helps us benefit the lives of Muslims in countries like Syria, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Gaza, and across East Africa, providing them with a cut of meat that will give them the nutrition they have thus far been denied. For many families, this could be the only filling meal they enjoy until the delivery of next year’s Qurbani donation.

This is why Muslim Aid is desperate to receive your kind Qurbani donations this Eid ul-Adha, allowing us to carry out our duty of helping those most deserving of it.

From all at Muslim Aid, Eid Mubarak to you all. Please donate today.