The Festival of Sacrifice — commemorating the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)
Eid al-Adha expected on ...
Based on Umm al-Qura calendar (10th Dhul Hijjah)
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd
“Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.”
Recite after every obligatory prayer from Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah) until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah
Offering a sacrificial animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) as an act of worship following the Sunnah of Ibrahim
Special congregational prayer performed in the morning of Eid, followed by the khutbah
Reciting Takbeer after every obligatory prayer from Fajr of the 9th until Asr of the 13th Dhul Hijjah
Those intending to sacrifice should not cut their hair or nails from 1st Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice is done
Divide the sacrifice meat into three parts: one for family, one for relatives/friends, and one for the poor
Visit relatives, exchange greetings of 'Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum', and strengthen family bonds
Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice) is the greater of the two Eid celebrations in Islam. It falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to Allah. When Allah saw Ibrahim's devotion, He replaced the sacrifice with a ram. Muslims who are able offer Udhiyah (animal sacrifice) and distribute the meat among family, friends, and the poor. It is a celebration of faith, obedience, and generosity.
The Udhiyah (Qurbani) is a Sunnah Mu'akkadah (confirmed Sunnah) for those who can afford it. The sacrifice can be a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, and must meet minimum age requirements. It is performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and can continue through the 13th. The meat is traditionally divided into thirds: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy.
The Eid al-Adha prayer is a special congregational prayer performed on the morning of Eid. It consists of two rak'ahs with additional takbeerat. Muslims gather in mosques or open prayer grounds, dressed in their finest attire. After the prayer, the imam delivers a khutbah about the story of Ibrahim, the importance of sacrifice, and the spirit of devotion to Allah.