Eid al-Adha Date in the current year: June 17, 2024

This holiday is related to a biblical story known in Islamic tradition as the Binding of Ishmael. The story narrates that Allah required Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his only son Ishmael (Ismail) as an act of submission to a command from God. Ibrahim was willing to make this sacrifice, but at the last moment Allah intervened and provided Ibrahim with a lamb to sacrifice instead.

Eid al-Adha honors this event. The observance begins with a special Eid prayer after the pilgrims performing the Hajj descend from Mount Arafat near Mecca. Muslims are expected to dress in their finest clothing before going to the mosque to pray.

Those who can afford to sacrifice their best halal domestic animals as a symbol of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice Ishmael. The choice of sacrificed animal depends on the region, but usually it is a cow or a lamb. The meat is traditionally divided into thee parts. The family keeps one part, and the other two are donated to relatives, friends and neighbors, and the poor and needy.

On this day, it is customary to gather with family and friends, have celebratory meals, and give eidi (special gifts). Eid gifts are most often given to children as a token of love.