When is Eid al-Adha 2026?

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice or Greater Eid, is the second of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. It marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and honors the profound obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah.

Depending on the sighting of the moon, Eid al-Adha in the year 2026 is expected to begin on or around Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and end on Friday, May 29, 2026.

The Story Behind Eid al-Adha

The roots of this festival go back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). Allah tested Ibrahim by commanding him in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail. Without hesitation, Ibrahim prepared to fulfill the command, and his son Ismail willingly submitted to Allah's will.

At the very moment Ibrahim was about to make the sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram from heaven. This event demonstrated the ultimate Tawakkul (trust) and submission to the Creator.

Key Traditions of Eid al-Adha

1. The Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid)

On the morning of Eid, Muslims dress in their best (or new) clothes and gather in large congregations at mosques or open fields to perform a special Eid prayer, followed by a Khutbah (sermon).

2. Qurbani / Udhiyah (The Sacrifice)

Following the Sunnah of Ibrahim, Muslims who are financially able slaughter a livestock animal (a sheep, goat, cow, or camel). The meat is strictly divided into three equal parts:

• One part for the family.
• One part for relatives and friends.
• One part donated to the poor and needy.

3. The Takbeerat of Tashreeq

From the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) until the end of the Days of Tashreeq (13th of Dhul-Hijjah), Muslims recite the Takbeer aloud after every obligatory prayer: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-Hamd."

4. Charity and Community

Eid is a time of immense generosity. Beyond sharing meat, families visit each other, exchange gifts, and ensure that the less fortunate in the community can also partake in the joy and feast.

The Significance of Eid al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice

Eid al-Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice) is the second and largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. It honors the unwavering willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail, as an act of absolute obedience to God's command. Before the sacrifice could take place, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead.

How Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha

The celebration spans three days and is deeply tied to the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Here is how Muslims around the world observe this holy occasion:

1. The Morning Prayer: Muslims gather in large congregations early in the morning to perform the special Eid prayer, followed by a sermon (Khutbah).
2. The Qurbani (Udhiyah): Those who are financially able are required to sacrifice an animal (usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel). This act is not about shedding blood; rather, the Quran explicitly states: "Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you." (22:37).
3. Distribution of Meat: The meat from the sacrifice is strictly divided into three equal parts: one third for the family, one third for relatives and friends, and one third specifically reserved for the poor and needy. This ensures that no one in the community goes hungry during the festival.

Preparing for Eid al-Adha 2026

Since Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar), it shifts backward by about 10-12 days every Gregorian year. In 2026, it is projected to fall in the late spring/early summer.

Common Questions Pilgrims Ask Pilgrims Ask

Can I give money to charity instead of performing the animal sacrifice (Qurbani)? According to the vast majority of Islamic scholars, if you meet the financial threshold (Nisab), the actual act of Qurbani is required and cannot be substituted simply by giving money to charity. However, you can pay a charitable organization to perform the sacrifice on your behalf in a poorer country where the meat is desperately needed.

Do I have to witness the sacrifice myself? While it is Sunnah (highly recommended) to witness the sacrifice or perform it yourself if you are capable, it is entirely permissible to delegate it to a trusted butcher or a charitable organization overseas.

What is the Day of Arafah? The Day of Arafah is the day immediately preceding Eid al-Adha (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah). It is the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, fasting on this day is highly recommended, as the Prophet (ﷺ) promised it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.