How Muslims Celebrate Eid ul-Adha

Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a double celebration for Muslims all over the world. It marks both the end of the Hajj and also commemorates the faith and dedication that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) showed to Allah.

Hajj, The Destination Paradise

The annual pilgrimage of Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, where every able-bodied Muslim is expected to complete the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Hajj derives from the Arabic language, which means ‘aim’ or ‘destination’ and, for Muslims, is the ultimate journey to the house of Allah. If performed with the right intentions, Hajj will purify all sins, and the reward is Jannah (Paradise).

The completion of Hajj is followed by Eid ul-Adha, and Qurbani. With not long to go until Eid, many people are asking, when is Eid ul-Adha 2026? The dates of these festivals change every year according to the lunar cycle, on which the Islamic calendar is based. The 2026 Eid ul-Adha dates are expected to fall on 27th May, but can only be confirmed upon the sighting of the moon in the location where you live. 

It is a time of coming together, being with family and friends, meeting in the community, and celebrating the global Ummah. Great pride is taken in dressing in the finest of clothes and performing the Eid salah prayer at the mosque in congregation.

Why is Eid ul-Adha Celebrated?

Qurbani is a momentous ritual for Muslims celebrating Eid, and the Qurbani Eid story shows us why Eid ul-Adha is celebrated. It demonstrates the depth and intensity of the faith that Muslims have in Allah.

The story goes that Allah came to the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in a dream and commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son were both unquestioning in their obedience to their Creator and climbed up to the top of Mount Arafat. There, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) bound his sons’ feet and blindfolded his own eyes on Ismail’s (AS) request. Upon completing the task, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) removed his blindfold to see the body of a dead ram lying in the place of Ismail, who was standing unharmed next to his father.

This story illustrates the absolute faith that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had in the word of his Creator, to the degree that he was prepared to sacrifice that which was dearest to him. Allah rewarded this faith by saving his son and sacrificing the ram in his place. During Eid ul-Adha, Muslims around the world perform the act of Qurbani (the sacrifice) to celebrate the unwavering trust and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah.

Eid ul-Adha, A Lesson of Faith and Obedience

Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Islamic Festival of Sacrifice, is not only about celebration but also about remembering the importance of submission to Allah. Many people ask why is Eid ul-Adha celebrated, and the answer lies in the powerful example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). His willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Allah teaches Muslims about trust, patience, and devotion. Allah tells us of this story in the Quran:

“Then when they submitted [to the Will of Allah], and Ibrahim laid him on the side of his forehead [for sacrifice], We called out to him, ‘Oh Ibrahim, you have already fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, this is how We reward the good doers.”

[Qur’an 37:103–105]

The Quran also reminds the believers that the purpose of Qurbani for Eid ul-Adha is not the meat itself, but the sincerity behind the act:

“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.”

[Quran 22:37]

These verses of the Quran highlight that the Festival of Sacrifice in Islam is ultimately about faith and intention.

How is Eid ul-Adha Celebrated?

Many people wonder how is Eid ul-Adha celebrated around the world. The Eid ul-Adha celebration begins with a special congregational prayer performed in mosques or open prayer grounds shortly after sunrise. Muslims gather together, listen to a sermon, and thank Allah for His blessings.

After the prayer, families greet one another with “Eid Mubarak,” share meals, and spend time visiting relatives, neighbours, and friends. Children often receive gifts or money, and homes are filled with joy and gratitude. However, one of the most important parts of the Eid ul-Adha, Festival of Sacrifice, is the act of Qurbani itself.

It has been narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) emphasised the importance of sacrifice during this blessed time, saying:

“The son of Adam does not do any action on the Day of Sacrifice which is more beloved to Allah than shedding blood (of the animal).”

(Tirmidhi)

Eid Ul-Adha Is a Lesson in Faith and Dedication

Qurbani is an obligatory act for all Muslims who are of sound mind and have a disposable income that exceeds their essential needs. Performing Qurbani is an important lesson that teaches the believer the acts of obedience and devotion to the Creator, keeping in mind that Eid ul-Adha is more than a family celebration.

Qurbani Eid 2026 Donations

There are strict rules that govern how to distribute Qurbani meat in the UK and worldwide. Because the sacrifice of an animal is restricted at home or in a private place in the UK, many Muslims choose to donate their Qurbani through charities such as UK Islamic Mission to ensure that their contribution reaches those most in need.

Qurbani Eid 2026 donations through UK Islamic Mission can be made at any time during the Hajj period leading up to Eid ul-Adha, but rest assured that the sacrifice will only be carried out during the three days of Eid ul-Adha in accordance with Islamic principles of Qurbani.

We also guarantee that all Qurbani rules are precisely followed. For example, all livestock is selected for its age, quality, and health. UK Islamic Mission works with local farmers and shepherds in countries all over the world to make sure that all animals are sacrificed according to halal tradition, and that the meat is divided equally.

This sacrifice ensures that Muslim communities around the world, who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, and hunger, can have access to nutritious food and join in with the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations despite their lack of resources.

How Your Qurbani for Eid ul-Adha Donation Makes a Difference

There are many stories like that of Ayman, a Syrian refugee who lost his work due to Covid -19 and has been unable to support his family of seven. After receiving his Qurbani donation from a UK donor, he told us, “This Qurbani meat will help us with our cooking for about two weeks. We will make meals and soup with it. This puts a smile on my loved ones’ faces. We send our prayers and appreciation for you.”

Asiya from Bangladesh is a widow with two daughters. Sadly, one of her daughters died due to poverty and hunger. Asiya is completely dependent on her brother, but he too has been out of work due to Covid-19. As a result, Asiya was forced into domestic work simply to put food on the table. After receiving her Qurbani donation from a UK donor, Asiya sent us this message to say, “I will be eating meat after almost a year, making me and my family happy. May Allah bless you guys for feeding me this food. May Allah listen to my prayers for you”.

Mother of five, Em Ahmad, lost her husband during the Syrian war and has struggled to support her family ever since. Upon receiving her donation of Qurbani meat, she said, “You helped me and my family by drawing the smile on my kids’ faces. Thank you from all our hearts.”

Help your brothers and sisters join the global Ummah in celebrating Eid ul-Adha 2026 and donate your Qurbani with the UK Islamic Mission this year.

Donate your Qurbani today and help bring hope and dignity to those in need.