Happy Eid al-Adha
- Written byStudent Communications
- Published date 04 June 2025
On Friday 6 June, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr. To those observing, Eid Mubarak!
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha takes place on the 10th day of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. This month is known as Dhu al-Hijjah and roughly translates to ‘The Month of the Pilgrimage’.
There are 2 Eids, or ‘celebration festivals’, in Islam. Eid al-Fitr follows the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, often known as the ‘Greater Eid’, takes place during the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, upon the completion of the annual Hajj (pilgrimage). Hajj is one of The Five Pillars of Islam which all Muslims are expected to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able to. Muslims who are taking part in Hajj visit the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is the holiest city in Islam.
Eid al-Adha translates to ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ as it marks the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of devotion to Allah. However, before the sacrifice was carried out, Allah provided him with a lamb to sacrifice.
How might it be observed?
The celebrations generally begin by visiting the local mosque and saying a special prayer, ‘Salat al-Eid’, which is followed by a sermon called a ‘khutbah.’ The rest of the day is usually spent with friends and family, exchanging gifts and eating together.
In remembrance of the prophet Ibrahim's act of obedience and commitment, a sacrifice, known as ‘Qurban / Qurbani’, traditionally takes place after visiting the mosque. The Qurbani meat is then divided into thirds:
- one third for you and your family
- one third for your friends
- one third to be donated to those in need
The purpose of this is to make sure that every Muslim gets to eat meat.
Some choose to purchase Halal meat instead of undertaking the process of sacrifice, but the meat remains hugely significant. Some Muslim families may choose to donate a Qurbani through charities.
Vegetarian and vegan Muslims may choose to make a donation to charity or specifically donate food packs which are distributed to those in need, around the world.
Celebrating at UAL
There are several student societies at UAL who may be celebrating Eid al-Adha: