Holiday guide
Eid al-Adha Guide
Eid al-Adha is a major Islamic festival observed on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah. It comes during the Hajj season and brings together prayer, devotion, generosity, family, and community in ways that differ across Muslim communities.
The short answer
What Eid al-Adha means
Eid al-Adha is one of the two major Islamic festivals. It falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during the season of Hajj—the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims observe the festival around the world, whether or not they are undertaking the pilgrimage.
The festival recalls the Qur’anic account of Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to obey God. It is often called the Festival of Sacrifice, but that name should not obscure the wider observance: worship, gratitude, generosity, family ties, and shared meals are all important parts of Eid for many people.
Dates
Why the Gregorian date changes
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so Eid al-Adha moves through the Gregorian calendar from year to year. A civil-calendar date is useful for planning, but it is not the festival’s permanent date: 10 Dhu al-Hijjah is the calendar reference that remains constant.
Exact local timing can also differ. Communities may use established calendars, local moon observation, or guidance from recognized religious authorities. For school, work, or travel planning, confirm the date with the local mosque or community rather than assume one published civil date applies everywhere.
Hajj and community
Connected to Hajj, not limited to pilgrims
Eid al-Adha arrives during Hajj, when pilgrims in Mecca carry out rites associated with the annual pilgrimage. That connection gives the festival its calendar and religious setting. It does not mean Eid belongs only to people in Saudi Arabia or only to those able to make the journey; Muslim families and congregations around the world observe it at home.
Many communities begin with a special Eid prayer and sermon, then exchange greetings, visit relatives, prepare food, and give charity. Some Muslims arrange an animal sacrifice, often called udhiyah or qurbani, where it is lawful, customary, and carried out under appropriate local arrangements. Distribution can include family, neighbors, and people in need. The details are not a universal checklist and should be understood through local religious guidance and law.
A distinct Eid
Not the same as Eid al-Fitr
The two Eids share familiar social features in many places—prayer, greetings, meals, gifts, and family time—but they are not interchangeable. Eid al-Fitr follows Ramadan and begins in Shawwal. Eid al-Adha falls in Dhu al-Hijjah and is connected with Hajj and the Ibrahim tradition.
Read Eid al-Adha traditions for a closer account of how prayer, hospitality, charity, and local practice fit together. Use the countdown directory for an upcoming civil-calendar date, or browse the Holiday Guides hub.
Sources
Learn more from educational institutions
The Open University’s Eid al-Adha overview explains the lunar date, Hajj connection, and community observance. Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences notes that Eid al-Adha is observed both by pilgrims and by Muslims not on pilgrimage. The Library of Congress Hajj collection provides further historical context for pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha.
Questions
Eid al-Adha FAQ
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is one of the two major Islamic festivals. It falls on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah and is associated with the Hajj season, devotion, prayer, charity, and community.
When is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Its Gregorian date changes each year and can vary locally by calendar convention or moon observation.
How is Eid al-Adha connected to Hajj?
It occurs during the Hajj season. Pilgrims observe important Hajj rites at this time, while Muslims who are not performing Hajj also observe Eid in their own communities.
How is Eid al-Adha observed?
Many communities mark it with a special prayer, a sermon, greetings, meals, visits, and charitable giving. Practices, including arrangements for sacrifice where lawful and customary, vary by place and household.
What is the difference between Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Adha falls in Dhu al-Hijjah during the Hajj season. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and begins in Shawwal. Both are major Islamic festivals, but they have different calendar settings and religious contexts.