Eid al-Adha, also called the Festival of Sacrifice, Greater Eid or Eid ul Adha, is one of the two most important celebrations in Islam and one of the most spiritually significant occasions in the Islamic calendar. Over 1.8 billion Muslims observe it worldwide. It is a time of prayer, sacrifice, charity, and joyful celebration with family and friends.
When is Eid Al Adha 2026?
In the UK, Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 26 May. The first full day of celebrations falls on Wednesday 27 May 2026. This corresponds to the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH. The festival then continues for three days, ending around Saturday 30 May 2026. However, the exact date depends on the new moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah.
"The day of Arafah, the day of Sacrifice, and the days of al-Tashriq are our festival, us Muslims, and they are days of eating and drinking."
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (Tirmidhi, 773)
Dua for Moon Sighting
اللهمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالْإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ الله
Translation: (O Allah, let this crescent moon appear over us with security and Iman; with peace and Islam; and with ability, for us to practice such actions which you love. [O Moon] your creator and my creator is Allah).
Eid al-Adha 2026: Significance and Celebration
The Story Behind Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's ( عليه السلام) unwavering faith and love for Allah ( SWT). His ultimate test of sacrificing his son, Ismail ( عليه السلام, serves as a powerful symbol of submission to divine will. This profound story teaches us about Qurbani (sacrifice). Meat is shared with the less fortunate. It also highlights the importance of surrendering to God's will.
The tradition of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha reflects Ibrahim's ( عليه السلام) journey filled with both sorrow and acceptance. Through animal sacrifice, we embody faith and a willingness to let go of attachments. However, sacrificing animals is just one aspect of Qurbani. It also teaches us kindness and compassion. We share our blessings with family, friends, and those in need. This fosters inclusion and generosity within our community.
Preparing for Eid al-Adha 2026
Getting ready for Eid is not just about food and clothes. It’s about feeling thankful and generous. Families come together to share meals and distribute meat, but it’s important to think beyond just cooking meat. This is also a time to show appreciation for Allah's blessings and to help those who cannot afford Qurbani.
How to Celebrate Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha is a celebration lasting two to four days, depending on regional customs. Across the UK and around the world, Muslims can make the most of this occasion by following some simple yet significant practices known as Sunnah.
The Eid Prayer
Eid al-Adha begins with Salat al-Eid, the special Eid prayer, performed in large congregations shortly after sunrise on the first day. In the UK, these prayers take place at local mosques, large outdoor prayer grounds, parks, and community centres, with some venues hosting multiple sessions to accommodate the many thousands of Muslims attending. It is Sunnah to take a different route home from the mosque after the Eid prayer.
After performing the Eid prayer, it is customary for Muslims to embrace each other warmly and wish one another 'Eid Mubarak' meaning 'Blessed Eid'. The sense of unity and brotherhood at Eid prayer gatherings is one of the most memorable aspects of the celebration for many Muslims.
Qurbani and Charitable Giving
Following the Eid prayer, eligible Muslims perform Qurbani. They may do so through a local halal supplier or by donating to a Muslim charity. The charity then carries out the sacrifice where the need is greatest.
Family Gatherings and Festive Meals
Eid al-Adha is sometimes called the 'Salty Eid' in contrast to Eid al-Fitr, which is nicknamed the 'Sweet Eid' for its desserts and sweet dishes. The festive meals of Eid al-Adha are centred around the meat from the Qurbani sacrifice and typically feature rich, savoury dishes. Many British Muslim families blend traditional recipes with their own modern British touches, a reflection of how Eid has taken root and grown in the UK over generations.
Gifts and Eidi
Across Muslim communities worldwide, it is a cherished tradition to exchange gifts and give Eidi, a gift of money to children during Eid celebrations. In Pakistan, women and girls often apply beautiful henna patterns in the days leading up to Eid, and children eagerly anticipate Eidi from their elders. Across many cultures, Eid is a time to visit friends and relatives, reconnect with extended family, and share the joy of the festival with those around you.
Sunnah for a Fulfilling Eid al-Adha 2026
Start the Day Early: Begin Eid with renewed energy by waking up for Fajr prayer.
Purification: To feel clean and spiritually prepared, perform Ghusl (ritual bath).
Dress Up: Donning new or nice clothes enhances the celebratory atmosphere.
Enhance the Festivities: Apply fragrance (perfume) to add to the joyous spirit of the day.
Recite Takbir: Recite the Takbir of Tashriq aloud before Eid prayer (Arabic recitation provided). اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ ، وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ (Allah is Most , Allah is most Great, Allah is most Great there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most great, Allah is most great, and to Allaah be praise) Great (Reference: Irwa Al Ghalil: 3 / 125)
Eid Prayer: Attend the Eid prayer congregation after sunrise.
Listen to the Imam: Pay close attention to the Imam's Eid sermon (Khutbah).
Take a Different Route: After prayer, return home via a different route than you took to the mosque, following the Prophet's ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) practice.
Make a Difference This Eid
The Al Mustafa Welfare Trust works to support individuals and communities globally. This Eid al-Adha, we are focusing on helping the people of Gaza. Donate an additional prophetic Qurbani to support the people of Palestine and Gaza, and make their Eid even more special.
Eid al-Adha 2026 in the UK is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 26 May 2026. The exact date will be confirmed following the sighting of the new crescent moon and announced by UK Islamic councils and local mosques.
Eid al-Adha is an Arabic phrase meaning 'Festival of Sacrifice'. It is also known as the Greater Eid, Eid ul Adha, and Bakr-Eid in South Asian communities. The festival commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah. It also symbolises the Islamic values of faith, submission, and charity.
Qurbani is the act of sacrificing an animal, a sheep, goat, cow, buffalo, or camel during the days of Eid al-Adha. It is Wajib (obligatory) for adult Muslim whose wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold, the same financial eligibility as Zakat.
Eid al-Adha traditionally lasts three days, the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah though many communities celebrate for four days. In 2026, this corresponds to approximately Wednesday 27 May to Saturday 30 May in the UK. Qurbani can be performed on any of the first three days, though it is most virtuous to do so on the first day.
No. UK law requires that all religious slaughter, including halal Qurbani, must take place in a licensed slaughterhouse. Performing Qurbani at home or outdoors is not legally permitted in England, Scotland, or Wales. The most practical and widely used alternative is to donate your Qurbani through Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, which carries out the sacrifice on your behalf in a country where the need is greatest.
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