Significance
Eid al-Adha, 'the Festival of Sacrifice,' is the greater of the two Eids, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. Before Ibrahim could carry out the command, Allah replaced his son with a ram, demonstrating that the act of submission — not the sacrifice itself — was what mattered. This event is the spiritual heart of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage. For Muslims not on Hajj, the sacrifice of an animal (Qurbani) and the sharing of its meat with the poor, neighbors, and family mirrors the spirit of Ibrahim's devotion and Islam's emphasis on charity and community.
How It Is Observed
The day begins with the Eid prayer. Those who can afford it sacrifice a halal animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) in an act called Qurbani. The meat is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for relatives, and one for those in need. For Muslims performing Hajj, the day includes specific rituals at Mina. Globally, it is a day of prayer, family gatherings, feasting, and giving. The celebration lasts four days.
From the Quran
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah. It is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you. And give good news to those who do good.”
— Al-Hajj 22:37