Eid al Adha

Date shown for 2025 is estimated as the official date has not been finalized as of March 2025.

Eid al-Adha History

Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is an important Islamic holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom and around the world. The holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command. However, just as he was about to sacrifice his son, Allah intervened and provided a ram as a replacement.

Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. The festival lasts for four days and is marked with prayers, feasting, and the distribution of meat to the poor. In the UK, Eid al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The festivities may vary among different communities, but the core of the celebration remains the same – to give thanks to Allah for his blessings and to renew one's commitment to his commandments.

Eid al-Adha is also an occasion for Muslims to reflect on the values of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity. It is a time to remember those who are less fortunate and to share one's blessings with them. In many parts of the UK, Muslims come together to prepare a communal meal for the homeless and needy. Eid al-Adha is observed on June 28th this year.

Facts about Eid al-Adha

• Unlike regular prayers, prayers for Eid al-Adha takes place in any large, open field. There Muslims from many mosques congregate together. Usually, mosques collaborate together to find a field that is convenient for everyone to go to. In the United States, Eid prayers often occur in parks.
• Festivities begin with a prayer service, followed by a brief sermon on the morning of the first day. During the prayer, Muslims recite verses from the Quran, lead by an Imam, prostrate to God, and send their peace to Muhammad and Abraham.
• The UK’s first mosque was built in 1889 in Liverpool. The Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, which was built in 1889, became a focus point for Eid al-Adha celebrations among UK Muslims in the early years.
• It is a tradition among Muslims in the UK to buy new clothes and give gifts to their children and loved ones on Eid al-Adha, making it a time of joy and excitement for families.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Eid al Adha

Top things to do in the UK for Eid al-Adha

• Often, a large party is thrown by Muslims on one of the three days of Eid al-Adha. Meat from slaughtered animals is served.
• It is Islamic tradition to wear your most beautiful clothes on the first day of Eid al-Adha. A few days before Eid al-Adha, Muslims shop for their new Eid clothes. Merchants in Islamic countries often hold their biggest sales before Eid al-Adha.
• Attend prayer services at local mosques, such as the East London Mosque or the Birmingham Central Mosque, where special services are held for Eid al Adha.
• Many cities in the UK host special Eid festivals with food stalls, bazaars, and cultural performances. Some popular ones include Eid in the Park in London and the Manchester Eid Festival.