If you’ve noticed more traffic around the mosque or friends suddenly planning a big gathering in early June, Eid al-Adha is probably the reason. This four-day festival draws its energy from one of the oldest stories in Islamic tradition—and every year, it lands on a different Gregorian date.
Date in Islamic calendar: 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah · Predicted 2025 date (Ireland): Saturday, June 7 · Expected 2026 start (UK): Wednesday, May 27 · Marks culmination of: Hajj pilgrimage
Quick snapshot
- Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah (CalendarDate.com)
- Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son (Wikipedia)
- Qurbani meat divides into three equal parts (FindLoveIA)
- Exact Gregorian dates until moon sighting confirmation (Human Relief Foundation)
- Regional start dates vary by country (Human Relief Foundation)
- 2025: Saturday, June 7 (CalendarDate.com)
- 2026: Wednesday, May 27 (predicted; evening start) (CalendarDate.com)
- 2026 end: Sunday, May 30 (Human Relief Foundation)
- Eid prayer at mosque or outdoor Eidgah (Wikipedia)
- Qurbani sacrifice performed 10th–13th Dhul Hijjah (Islamic Relief Australia)
- Festival lasts three days following Eid prayer (Islamic Relief Worldwide)
This key facts table consolidates the essential dates and definitions for quick reference throughout the article.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Islamic Month | Dhu al-Hijjah 10th |
| 2025 Prediction (Ireland) | Saturday, June 7 |
| 2026 UK Start | Wednesday, May 27 |
| Pilgrimage Link | Culmination of Hajj |
| Qurbani Allowable Days | 10th–13th Dhul Hijjah |
| Meat Division | Three equal parts |
What is Eid al-Adha a celebration of?
Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of two major Islamic holidays—the other being Eid al-Fitr. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God, before a ram was provided at the last moment as a substitute. The story anchors the holiday in devotion, trust, and the willingness to give up what is most valued.
Connection to Prophet Ibrahim
The narrative appears in the Quran and Islamic tradition as a test of faith. Eid al-Adha annually renews that memory, reminding Muslims of Ibrahim’s obedience and the mercy that followed. According to Wikipedia, Qurbani (or Udhiyya in Arabic) represents this spirit of sacrifice—performed by those who can afford it, symbolizing Ibrahim’s act.
The sacrifice is not merely symbolic. Muslims who perform Qurbani divide the meat into three equal parts—one for family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor. The practice carries forward Ibrahim’s legacy of generosity.
Role in Islamic calendar
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This timing is not arbitrary: it coincides with the culmination of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. As noted by the Human Relief Foundation, Hajj rites honor Prophet Ibrahim’s legacy in Makkah, and Eid al-Adha extends that spiritual climax to Muslims worldwide.
The implication: Eid al-Adha is inseparable from Hajj—both in meaning and timing. If you understand the pilgrimage, you understand why this festival lands where it does.
When exactly is Eid al-Adha?
Unlike holidays anchored to fixed Gregorian dates, Eid al-Adha follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is roughly 354 days long. That means it shifts 10–11 days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Predictions exist, but official confirmation comes from moon sighting.
2025 predictions
Current projections place Eid al-Adha 2025 on Saturday, June 7, according to CalendarDate.com. This date applies to regions following certain astronomical calculations; countries relying on local moon sighting may observe the holiday on a different day. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the Umm al-Qura calendar or direct sighting announcements set the official date.
2026 expectations
Most sources expect Eid al-Adha 2026 to begin at sundown Tuesday, May 26, with the primary day falling Wednesday, May 27, 2026, per CalendarDate.com. The Human Relief Foundation suggests the festival extends through Sunday, May 30, 2026, depending on moon sighting confirmation.
Moon sighting confirmation
These dates depend on the sighting of the moon in different locations, so they may vary slightly from country to country, as noted by Human Relief Foundation. The implication: if you’re planning travel or gatherings, check the announcement from your local religious authority nearest the predicted date.
A minority source cites a conflicting 2026 date range (evening of Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 3), per DeSales University. However, the overwhelming majority of calendar sources agree on late May 2026, making that the more reliable projection.
What are you supposed to do on Eid al-Adha?
Observance combines spiritual acts, ritual sacrifice, and social generosity. Here’s how the day typically unfolds.
Prayer and sacrifice
Muslims begin by performing special Eid prayers at a mosque or outdoor Eidgah, dressed in their finest clothing. According to Wikipedia, this is a communal act—the prayer is best attended collectively rather than individually. After prayer comes Qurbani: the ritual sacrifice of a goat, sheep, cow, or camel.
The rules are specific. As outlined by Middle East Eye, animals must meet age and quality standards, the slaughter must be humane (no dull knives, no slaughter in front of other animals), and the name of God must be mentioned. Qurbani can be performed on the 10th, 11th, 12th, or 13th of Dhul Hijjah, per Islamic Relief Australia.
Sharing with family and needy
Once the animal is sacrificed, the meat is divided into three equal portions: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. According to FindLoveIA, this distribution is not optional—it reflects the holiday’s core message of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility.
In the USA, many Muslims cannot perform Qurbani at home due to urban regulations. As reported by Embrace Relief, they often donate to charities that coordinate slaughter through halal butchers or partner farms, ensuring Shariah compliance while reaching global communities in need.
The pattern: Qurbani is not just a personal act—it’s a social one. Whether you divide meat at home or donate through a charity, the outcome is the same: more people eat.
What is forbidden during Eid al-Adha?
The restrictions around Eid al-Adha are narrower than many assume, but they’re rooted in the same principle that defines the festival: focused devotion.
Fasting rules
Muslims are prohibited from fasting on the days of Eid al-Adha itself. This is explicit in Islamic tradition—the two Eid days and the days of Tashriq (the 11th–13th of Dhul Hijjah) are designated for celebration, not abstention. Islamic Relief Worldwide notes that fasting during this period is generally discouraged, though voluntary fasting outside these days is permissible.
Other prohibitions
Beyond fasting, the holiday encourages Muslims to avoid unnecessary conflict or argument. Eid is a time for harmony, family gatherings, and remembrance of God. While specific prohibitions vary by cultural tradition, the spirit is clear: this is a celebration, not a period for austerity.
What this means: if you’ve been considering a fast or dietary restriction for personal reasons, the days of Eid al-Adha are not the time. Save it for after the festival.
Eid al-Adha vs Eid al-Fitr
Both holidays share the same core structure—prayer, charity, and communal gathering—but they differ in origin, timing, and emphasis.
This comparison table highlights the key distinctions between the two major Islamic festivals to clarify their unique roles.
| Aspect | Eid al-Adha | Eid al-Fitr |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah (end of Hajj) | 1st of Shawwal (end of Ramadan) |
| Origin event | Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice | Completion of Ramadan fast |
| Primary ritual | Qurbani sacrifice | Zakat al-Fitr (charity) |
| Duration | 4 days (10th–13th Dhul Hijjah) | 1–3 days |
| Relationship to Hajj | Coincides with culmination | Unrelated to pilgrimage |
According to the Human Relief Foundation, Eid al-Adha is the “Festival of Sacrifice,” while Eid al-Fitr marks the “Festival of Breaking Fast.” Both involve prayer and charity, but Eid al-Adha carries the additional weight of Hajj’s conclusion and the Qurbani ritual.
Key differences
The most tangible difference is Qurbani. Only Eid al-Adha features the sacrifice of an animal (or donation equivalent). Eid al-Fitr, by contrast, centers on Zakat al-Fitr—a charitable donation made before Eid prayer that cleanses the fast and ensures the poor can participate in the celebration.
Similarities
Both holidays open with special prayers (preferably in congregation), both require dressing in one’s best clothes, and both emphasize generosity to the less fortunate. Wikipedia notes that traditional cuisine for both Eids includes sweet pastries like ma’amoul, though Eid al-Adha feasts also prominently feature lamb and the meat from Qurbani.
The trade-off: Eid al-Fitr is a lighter, more personal celebration tied to completing a spiritual discipline. Eid al-Adha is more communal, tied to global pilgrimage, and carries the weight of an ancient story. Choose accordingly if you’re trying to understand which matters more to a Muslim friend or colleague.
How to observe Eid al-Adha: A step-by-step guide
Whether you’re celebrating at home or participating through a charity, here is how the observance typically unfolds.
Before Eid day
- Confirm the date: Check local moon sighting announcements or follow your mosque’s guidance. Predictions from CalendarDate.com are useful for planning but not authoritative.
- Arrange Qurbani: If performing at home, ensure you have access to a halal butcher or slaughter service. In urban areas, charities like Embrace Relief or Islamic Relief Worldwide can coordinate donations that fulfill the requirement.
- Prepare financially: Qurbani is required only for those who can afford it. Budget accordingly, or select a charity that offers a donation tier.
On the day
- Attend Eid prayer: Mosques hold special prayers, typically beginning slightly after sunrise. Dress in your finest clothes. According to Wikipedia, the communal prayer is highly recommended.
- Perform or arrange Qurbani: After prayer, complete the sacrifice. Remember to mention the name of God during slaughter, per Middle East Eye.
- Distribute the meat: Divide into three equal portions as prescribed. If donating via charity, confirm the organization splits portions appropriately.
- Share a feast: In the Middle East, Middle East Eye notes the traditional dish is fattah—rice, lamb, pitta, and garlic-tomato sauce. Samosas and ma’amoul cookies are common across many regions.
During the following days
- Continue celebrations: The festival officially lasts three days (10th–13th Dhul Hijjah), per Islamic Relief Worldwide. Qurbani can still be performed on the 11th, 12th, or 13th if missed on the main day.
- Visit family and friends: Community connection is central. Gifts and shared meals reinforce bonds.
- Reflect: Eid al-Adha is not just about the rituals. Take a moment to consider what “sacrifice” means in your own life beyond the literal act.
Regional regulations mean Qurbani at home is not always feasible. In the USA, many Muslims rely entirely on charities, which introduces a practical question: does a donation through a third party carry the same spiritual weight as performing the act directly? Most Islamic scholars say yes—the intention and outcome matter more than the location.
Eid al-Adha timeline
The festival fits within a specific Islamic calendar window, but the Gregorian dates shift annually. Here’s the timeline as currently projected.
This timeline table tracks the key dates and events associated with Eid al-Adha across multiple years.
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 10th Dhu al-Hijjah | Eid prayer and Qurbani begin |
| 2025: Saturday, June 7 | Predicted Eid al-Adha observance |
| 2026: Wednesday, May 27 (primary day) | Expected main day of observance |
| 2026: Through May 30 | Festival end per Human Relief Foundation |
| 10th–13th Dhul Hijjah | Permissible window for Qurbani |
The implication: if you’re scheduling anything around Eid al-Adha, build in flexibility. The exact date won’t be confirmed until moon sighting, and regional variations can stretch observances across several days.
Confirmed facts and rumors
Confirmed
- Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah
- The holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice of his son
- Qurbani meat divides into three equal parts
- The festival lasts three days following Eid prayer
- Qurbani is permissible 10th–13th Dhul Hijjah
Unclear
- Exact Gregorian dates depend on moon sighting
- Regional start dates may differ by country
- Official Saudi announcement pending for 2025–2026
“At the heart of Eid al-Adha lies the ritual slaughter of a sacrificial animal, symbolizing devotion to God and a willingness to give up what is most valued.”
“Qurbani is more than a ritual. It is a reflection of trust, faith, and devotion.”
For those planning ahead, the 2025 date is more settled than 2026, but both remain subject to confirmation. If you’re coordinating meals, travel, or charitable donations, start early—charity organizations often experience high demand in the weeks leading up to Eid. In Bangladesh alone, approximately 13 million animals are sacrificed annually during the festival, per Wikipedia, illustrating the sheer scale of the practice globally.
Predictions such as June 7 in Ireland for Eid al-Adha 2025 show variations mirroring 2025 dates by country and associated rituals observed globally.
Frequently asked questions
How is Eid al-Adha pronounced?
Eid al-Adha is typically pronounced “EED al-AH-dah” (with a guttural ‘H’ sound in “Adha”). In Bengali-speaking regions, the holiday is called “Korbanir Eid.” The Arabic term for the sacrifice itself is “Udhiyya” or “Udhiyah.”
What is the connection between Eid al-Adha and Hajj?
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the same day Hajj pilgrims complete the main rites at Arafat and surrounding sites. As noted by the Human Relief Foundation, Hajj rites honor Prophet Ibrahim’s legacy in Makkah, and Eid al-Adha extends that spiritual climax to Muslims worldwide.
How long does Eid al-Adha last?
The official celebration runs from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah—a four-day window. According to Islamic Relief Worldwide, the main day plus the Tashriq days (11th–13th) constitute the festival period.
Why is Qurbani performed on Eid al-Adha?
Qurbani commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail. When God provided a ram at the last moment, the act of sacrifice became a permanent symbol of obedience and generosity. As explained by Muslim Hands USA, the ritual is a reflection of trust, faith, and devotion—not merely an obligation.
Is fasting allowed during Eid al-Adha?
No. Fasting is prohibited on the days of Eid al-Adha and the days of Tashriq (11th–13th of Dhul Hijjah). According to Islamic Relief Worldwide, these days are set aside for celebration, communal prayer, and the Qurbani ritual.
What greetings are used for Eid al-Adha?
The traditional greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid al-Adha Mubarak.” In Arabic, you may also hear “Taqabbal Allah minna wa minkum” (May God accept from us and from you). Regional languages have their own equivalents, such as “Korbanir Eid mobarak” in Bengali.
How is the meat from Qurbani distributed?
According to FindLoveIA, the meat is divided into three equal parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. This distribution is a core requirement, not optional.
Related reading
- Eid 2026 dates
- End of Ramadan dates
- Islamic Relief Worldwide (Qurbani guide)
- Human Relief Foundation (Eid al-Adha 2026)
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.