Introduction
Eid-ul-Adha is one of the two most important celebrations in Islam. It is known as the Festival of Sacrifice and is observed every year on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah — the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, Eid-ul-Adha is expected around May 27, 2026 subject to moon sighting.
Unlike a regular holiday, Eid-ul-Adha is a day of deep spiritual meaning. It teaches Muslims about sacrifice, gratitude, obedience to Allah (SWT), and generosity toward others. For Muslim families living in the United States, this day is a powerful opportunity to strengthen faith, connect as a family, and give back to the community.
If you want to deepen your connection to this blessed day, there is no better way than through the Quran. Visit Quran Institute Online US to explore our online Quran classes designed for every age and level.
What Does Eid-ul-Adha Mean?
The word "Eid" means festival or celebration, and "Adha" means sacrifice. Together, Eid-ul-Adha means the Festival of Sacrifice. It is also called the Feast of Sacrifice or the Greater Eid.
This day commemorates the incredible story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (AS) in complete obedience to Allah (SWT). It is one of the greatest acts of faith ever recorded in human history, and Muslims around the world honor it every single year.
The Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS)
The heart of Eid-ul-Adha is the story found in Surah As-Saffat (37:99–111) in the Holy Quran.
Allah (SWT) sent Prophet Ibrahim (AS) a dream in which he was commanded to sacrifice his son. For a Prophet, a dream is a form of divine revelation — not ordinary sleep. Ibrahim (AS) did not ignore it or run from it. Instead, he went to his son Ismail (AS) and told him honestly what he had seen.
Ismail (AS), a young man of extraordinary faith, did not panic or refuse. He said to his father: "O my father, do what you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast." (Quran 37:102)
Father and son walked together toward the place of sacrifice. Shaytan (Satan) tried three times to stop them, and three times Ibrahim (AS) pelted him with stones. This act is remembered today in the Hajj ritual of Rami al-Jamarat.
When Ibrahim (AS) laid his son down and prepared to carry out the command, Allah (SWT) called out to him: "O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision!" A magnificent ram was sent from the heavens as the actual sacrifice. Both father and son had passed the test with flying colors.
Allah (SWT) then said: "And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." (Quran 37:107)
This is the story that every Muslim reenacts through Qurbani on Eid-ul-Adha. It is not about the blood of an animal — it is about surrendering your heart completely to Allah.
7 Main Things to Know About Eid-ul-Adha
1. It Begins with the Eid Prayer: The day starts with a special congregational prayer called Salat-ul-Eid. It is performed after sunrise and consists of two rak'ahs with extra takbeers. Attending this prayer is highly important for every capable Muslim — men, women, and children.
2. Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice) is a Confirmed Act of Worship: Every Muslim who possesses wealth above the Nisab threshold is required to perform Qurbani — the slaughter of a halal animal such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. The Qurbani must be done after the Eid prayer and can continue until the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
3. It Is Connected to Hajj: Eid-ul-Adha, which happens at the same time as the climax of Hajj — the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. While two million pilgrims perform their rites in Makkah, Muslims worldwide celebrate simultaneously. This creates a beautiful moment of global unity in Islam.
4. The Fast of Arafah: Fasting on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is a "cheat code" for spiritual growth—it’s said to expiate the sins of the previous and coming year.
5. Fasting on the Day of Arafah Is Highly Recommended: The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of Arafah — the day before Eid. The Prophet ﷺ said that fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. (Sahih Muslim). This is one of the most rewarding fasts a Muslim can observe outside of Ramadan.
6. Meat is Divided into Three Equal Parts: After Qurbani, the meat must be distributed in three equal portions: one-third for your own family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and those in need. Generosity and sharing are at the very core of this celebration.
7. It Lasts Three Days: Eid-ul-Adha is not just one day. It spans the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. These are called Ayyam al-Tashreeq — days of remembrance, feasting, and celebration. Qurbani can be performed on any of these three days.
Key Rituals of Eid-ul-Adha
Takbeer-e-Tashreeq: From the Fajr prayer of the 9th Dhul Hijjah until the Asr prayer of the 13th, Muslims recite the following Takbeer after every obligatory prayer:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillahil Hamd.
Ghusl: Performing a full ritual bath before the Eid prayer is a recommended Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Best Clothes: Wearing clean, new, or finest clothes on Eid is an act of gratitude and celebration encouraged in Islam.
No Eating Before Prayer: Unlike Eid-ul-Fitr, on Eid-ul-Adha it is the Sunnah to NOT eat before the Eid prayer. You eat from your Qurbani meat after the prayer.
Visiting Family: Strengthening family ties through visits, shared meals, and phone calls is a beautiful part of the three-day celebration.
Qurbani Rules at a Glance
Who must perform Qurbani? Any adult Muslim who possesses wealth equal to or above the Nisab amount and is not traveling on Eid day.
Eligible animals and minimum ages: — Goat or Sheep: at least 1 year old (counts for 1 person) — Cow or Buffalo: at least 2 years old (counts for up to 7 people) — Camel: at least 5 years old (counts for up to 7 people)
The animal must be healthy and free from major defects. The name of Allah must be recited — Bismillah, Allahu Akbar — at the time of slaughter. The person performing Qurbani should not cut their hair or nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice.
For Muslim families in the USA, Qurbani can be performed at a local certified halal facility or donated to a trusted Islamic charity that carries it out in your name in regions where the meat is most needed.
Eid-ul-Adha Do's and Don'ts
Do's: — Fast on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) — Recite the Takbeer abundantly during the blessed days — Perform Ghusl before the Eid prayer — Attend Salat-ul-Eid in congregation — Perform Qurbani if you are eligible — Share meat with family, friends, and the poor — Greet fellow Muslims with "Eid Mubarak" — Increase charity and good deeds in Dhul Hijjah
Don'ts: — Do not eat before the Eid prayer — Do not cut your hair or nails before Qurbani if you are sacrificing — Do not sell the meat of your own Qurbani — Do not waste or discard Qurbani meat — Do not forget the poor in your celebrations — Do not neglect dhikr and Quran recitation during these blessed days
Eid-ul-Adha in the Quran
Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Kawthar (108:2): "So pray to your Lord and sacrifice to Him alone."
The full story of Ibrahim and Ismail spans Surah As-Saffat (37:99–111). Additional references are found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:124–132) and Surah Ibrahim (14:35–41).
Studying these passages with your family this Eid is one of the most meaningful things you can do. Our Quran Translation Course at Quran Institute Online US covers all of these Surahs in clear, word-by-word English so your family can connect with these verses directly.
Celebrating Eid-ul-Adha in the USA: Tips for Muslim Families
Eid-ul-Adha is a wonderful opportunity to build lasting Islamic memories for your children. Here are some practical ways to make it meaningful:
Before Eid, increase your Quran recitation, make dua as a family, and tell the story of Ibrahim (AS) to your children in a way they can understand. If you intend to sacrifice, stop cutting hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah.
On the night before Eid, spend time in dhikr and Quran recitation. Recite the Takbeer abundantly. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged reviving both Eid nights with worship.
On Eid morning, perform Ghusl, wear your best clothes, and go to the Eid prayer early. After prayer, greet your community, distribute your Qurbani meat, and share it with neighbors — including non-Muslim neighbors — as an act of kindness and da'wah.
Encourage children to recite a short Surah or dua they have recently memorized as a special Eid contribution. If your children are in our Quran Memorization Course, Eid is a beautiful milestone to celebrate their progress.
Deepen Your Connection to Eid Through the Quran
The story of Ibrahim (AS) is a Quranic story. The command for Qurbani is a Quranic command. The Takbeer we recite comes from Quranic teachings. Eid-ul-Adha, at its core, is about living the Quran — not just reading it.
For Muslim families in the USA who want this depth of connection every day — not just on Eid — a structured relationship with the Quran is the answer.
Whether you are a complete beginner who needs to learn Noorani Qaida first, someone who wants to master online Quran reading with Tajweed, a family looking to memorize Quran online with a dedicated tutor, or an adult who wants to finally understand the verses they recite through our Quran translation course, Quran Institute Online US has a pathway for you.
Visit https://quraninstituteonline.com/ to book your free trial class today.
Final Words
Eid-ul-Adha is not just a festival — it is a reminder. It reminds us that the things we hold most dear in this world are ultimately gifts from Allah (SWT), and that true happiness comes from surrendering them to His will. Ibrahim (AS) did not lose his son. He gained the love of Allah for all of eternity.
As you celebrate this Eid-ul-Adha with your family, in your city, in the United States of America, know that you are part of something ancient, global, and eternal: two billion Muslims, one direction, one God.
May Allah (SWT) accept your Qurbani, your prayers, and every good deed this blessed season. May He make the Quran a light in your homes and a companion for your families.
Eid Mubarak! 🌙
Published by Quran Institute Online US — Certified online Quran classes for Muslim families across America. One-on-one lessons, flexible schedules, experienced tutors. www.quraninstituteonline.com
