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"It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (SWT)."
The Prophet (PBUH) - (Hadith - Trimidhi)
The Eid ul-Adha festival is the second most important Islamic celebration, while Eid ul-Fitr is the first. Eid ul-Adha is frequently referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice. It highlights the Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command. This action emphasises total submission and trust in Allah's plan.
In this blog, you will learn important preparation for Eid ul-Adha, including Sunnah practices, fasting on Arafah, performing Qurbani correctly, and giving charity effectively, so that your observance is meaningful and aligned with Islamic teachings.
Eid ul-Adha follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so the date changes every year in the Gregorian calendar. It always starts on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, and in the UK for 2026, it is expected to fall on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon.
The Day of Arafah comes the day before, on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, which would be Tuesday, 26 May. But remember, the final date comes from moon sighting. In the UK, some mosques and Islamic organisations rely on local moon sightings, while others follow the official announcement from Saudi Arabia. Because of this, the exact day may vary slightly between communities. Keep an eye on announcements from your local mosque or a trusted Islamic authority from mid‑May 2026 onwards to start your Eid ul-Adha preparations and be fully ready for the event.
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are very special and carry extra weight. The Prophet (SAW) explained that deeds here earn more of Allah's approval and reward than any other day in the year. The Prophet (SAW) said:
“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days (of Dhul‑Hijjah).” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1727)
A basic effort, like an added prayer or a donation, multiplies in worth.
Those who are not performing Hajj should fast on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah – the day of Arafah. The Prophet (SAW) mentioned that this fast clears sins from the year before and after. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated:
“Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1162)
Earning rewards that hold so much power to clear your sins from the year before and after is massive. So, it’s best to fast on this day to receive these rewards. To make fasting easier, sleep well the night before so you are not tired, have a simple suhoor meal and during the day, stay calm and avoid heavy work if possible. Your niyyah (intention) should be clear as you fast only for Allah, not to show off or for any health reasons/benefits. This fast makes you feel connected to the millions standing at Arafat praying. It brings a real sense of togetherness and makes every believer feel part of the Muslim community.
Takbeer tashreeq serves as a key remembrance during this time.
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd.
This should be recited after each of the five daily prayers, with some people saying it three times for emphasis. Speak it out loud at home with your family, in the mosque, or even when you are out. It is a way to declare that Allah is the greatest, and all praise belongs to Him. Doing this regularly keeps your mind on tawheed and thankfulness, especially when things get busy with Eid prep.
There are clear Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to follow when preparing for Eid ul-Adha. Getting ready for this day starts by taking a complete ghusl in the morning, which means not just doing regular wudu, but having a full bath for extra cleanliness. Then, wear the nicest clothes you have that are clean. These can be new ones you’ve bought or saved for this day, or just any nice clothes you already have. Put on a good non-alcoholic perfume or attar if you have it, and, before going out, eat something small, like a few dates, which is a Sunnah followed by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), so he would not feel weak during prayer. If it is safe and possible, walk to the Eid prayer place. On the way back, take a different route. These little things are easy to follow but bring extra blessings because they reflect the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)'s habits.
Eid Salah consists of two rak'ahs performed in a large gathering, typically at a mosque or outside in open ground. Everyone gets together early to do this prayer, which kickstarts the celebrations. Before reciting Surah Al-Fatiha in the first rak'ah, you raise your hands and recite Allahu Akbar six more times following the initial takbeer. You pronounce five more takbeers before the recitation in the second rak'ah. After the salam, you must sit silently and pay close attention during the khutbah as it frequently serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrifice and unity among the Muslim Ummah. To secure a spot or find space, arrive early and keep reciting takbeer on the way. And after the prayer, greet everyone with Eid Mubarak or Eid Sa’eed.
Eid ul-Adha is defined by Qurbani. Therefore, it becomes wajib (obligatory) to sacrifice an animal if your savings exceed nisab levels. Choose sheep, goats, cows, or camels to sacrifice, making sure they are healthy, the right age, and free of serious problems like excessive limping or sight loss.
Qurbani is permitted till sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, although the ideal time is immediately following the Eid prayer on the 10th.
Strict restrictions regarding animal welfare in the UK often prevent Qurbani being carried out by yourself at home. So, make use of authorised slaughterhouses or, better yet, make a charitable donation. They handle the sacrifice in line with Islamic regulations and send the meat where it is needed most. Split the meat three ways: one part for your family to eat, one for friends and relatives, and one for poor people.
Charity makes Eid even better. After sharing your Qurbani meat locally, think about giving more sadaqah. It helps people far away who have less. UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) is a well-established UK charity that has been around for years. Our Qurbani programs take donations to slaughter animals in needy areas to help feed the hungry. Meat goes to vulnerable families, orphans, widows, and communities facing hardships. Our efforts cover food aid, schooling, medical, and crisis aid in places like Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Syria and more.
Get your house ready so everything feels festive and welcoming. Clean every room thoroughly, especially the kitchen and prayer areas and make space if family or guests will be praying together at home. After the sacrifice, fresh meat comes in large amounts, so clear out fridge and freezer space. Label bags for the three shares to avoid any mix-ups. Plan simple meals in advance, like what to cook first from the meat. Get everyone involved, like kids can help tidy or set the table and keep decorations basic with some lights or a banner, but don’t go overboard as the focus stays on worship, family, and thanks to Allah.
Eid ul-Adha is about giving yourself fully to Allah, as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did. It teaches patience, trust, and putting faith first. It also pushes us to think of others as a sacrifice, which means giving up something valuable so others can benefit. Keep making dua for yourself, your family, and Muslims everywhere around the world who struggle. Think about these things quietly during the days; it makes the celebration deeper and more rewarding.
Good Eid ul-Adha preparation mixes daily Sunnah and helping others. Start with the ten days of Dhul Hijjah by increasing in doing dikr (remembrance of Allah) and fasting on the day of Arafah. Follow the takbeer, do your Sunnah acts on Eid morning, pray in congregation, handle Qurbani correctly and share everything generously. Keep the home organised and reach out to people.
Consider making your charity through the UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) for maximum impact. We make sure that your contributions to Qurbani or sadaqah are handled completely transparently and in accordance with Islamic law, helping individuals in need all across the world. In addition to fulfilling your religious duty, giving through UKIM helps families in need, such as people affected by hunger in Yemen or refugees in Syria, by providing basic meat and assistance. Giving in this manner increases your reward since it fosters the Ummah's prosperity while combining worship with practical assistance. May Allah acknowledge our efforts and make things simple for everyone.
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