Eid al-Adha 2026
The Festival of Sacrifice — commemorating Ibrahim's devotion to Allah
Expected Date
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH • Subject to moon sighting
Eid al-Adha Dates
Eid al-Adha 2026
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH
Subject to official moon sighting
Eid al-Adha 2027
Sunday, May 16, 2027
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 AH
Subject to official moon sighting
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى) — the Festival of Sacrifice — is the greater of the two Eid celebrations in Islam. It falls on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, coinciding with the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Eid al-Adha commemorates the momentous test of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) ﷺ, who was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael). As Ibrahim prepared to fulfill the command, Allah replaced the sacrifice with a ram — teaching that true worship is demonstrated through complete obedience and trust in Allah. The Quran describes this event in Surah As-Saffat (37:100–107).
Qurbani (Udhiyah) — The Sacrifice
Who must perform Qurbani?
Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) according to Hanafi scholars on every adult Muslim who possesses the Nisab (the minimum wealth for Zakat) at the time of Eid. According to Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali scholars, it is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah).
Which animals are permitted?
Permitted Qurbani animals include: sheep or goat (counts as one share, for one household), cow or buffalo (7 shares, one per person/family), and camel (7 shares). The animal must be free from major defects, of the correct age (1 year for goat/sheep, 2 for cow, 5 for camel), and slaughtered in the prescribed Islamic manner.
When to perform Qurbani?
Qurbani can be performed on 10, 11, or 12 Dhu al-Hijjah, after the Eid prayer on the first day. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever slaughters before the prayer has only slaughtered for himself, and whoever slaughters after the prayer has completed his act of worship and followed the way of the Muslims.' (Bukhari)
How to distribute the meat?
The scholars recommend dividing the Qurbani meat into three equal parts: one-third for your family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy. The poor's share should ideally be given fresh, not cooked.
How to Celebrate Eid al-Adha
Takbeer from Arafah Day
Recite the Eid takbeer from Fajr of the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah (Day of Arafah) until Asr of the 13th. For Eid al-Adha this is the 'Takbeer al-Muqayyad' (linked to prayers) after every obligatory prayer in congregation.
Ghusl & Best Clothes
Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) before the Eid prayer and wear your best clothes. Unlike Eid al-Fitr, it is Sunnah NOT to eat before the Eid prayer — you eat after the prayer, preferably from the Qurbani meat.
Eid Prayer
Attend the Eid congregational prayer in the morning after sunrise. The prayer consists of 2 rak'ahs with additional takbeers. It is followed by the Eid khutbah (sermon).
Perform Qurbani
After the Eid prayer, perform Qurbani (animal sacrifice) — or arrange for it to be done on your behalf. The sacrifice can be performed on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Distribute Meat & Give Gifts
Distribute the Qurbani meat — giving generously to the poor, neighbors, and relatives. Spend the day visiting family, exchanging Eid greetings, and celebrating together.
Eid al-Adha — Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected on approximately Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH), subject to moon sighting.
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail. It is the greater of the two Eids and falls on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage.
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani (Udhiyah) is the ritual slaughter of a livestock animal — sheep, goat, cow, or camel — during the days of Eid al-Adha (10–12 Dhu al-Hijjah). The meat is distributed in three parts: family, friends/relatives, and the poor.
How long does Eid al-Adha last?
Eid al-Adha lasts 4 days (10–13 Dhu al-Hijjah). The 11th, 12th, and 13th are called Ayyam al-Tashriq. Qurbani can be performed on the 10th, 11th, or 12th.
What is the connection between Eid al-Adha and Hajj?
Eid al-Adha coincides with the climax of Hajj. Pilgrims stand at Arafah on the 9th, then perform the stoning and Qurbani on the 10th (Eid day). For non-pilgrims, fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhu al-Hijjah) is highly recommended.