Eid al-Adha – the Festival of Sacrifice – is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the day after the standing at Arafah. It is the greater of the two annual Eids and commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, and Allah’s substitution of a ram in his place.

The Qur’an recounts the trial: “And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.’ He said, ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.'” (Surah as-Saffat 37:102). Allah then substituted a magnificent ram in place of the son, and declared: “And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations.” (Surah as-Saffat 37:108).

The day begins with the Eid prayer at sunrise, in two rakats with additional takbirs, performed in congregation in an open space or a large masjid. After the prayer, those who are able offer the Qurbani or Udhiyah – the ritual sacrifice of an animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel). The meat is divided into three: one third for the family, one third for relatives and friends, and one third for the poor. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized this rite as a perpetual Sunnah of Ibrahim (Sunan Ibn Majah).

Fasting on the day of Eid al-Adha is prohibited. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Messenger of Allah forbade fasting on two days: the day of al-Fitr and the day of al-Adha.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1920). The prohibition continues through the following three Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah).

The Eid is a celebration that unites the Muslims of the world. Pilgrims at Mina are completing the rites of Hajj on the same day; non-pilgrims pray the Eid prayer in their home cities, offer the Qurbani, and visit family and neighbors. The takbir of Eid – Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illa Allah… – is recited from Fajr of the Day of Arafah through Asr of the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.