When Is Eid Al-Adha 2023 and Why Is It Important?

Eid al-Adha is the second of two official holidays observed by Muslims, with the other being Eid al-Fitr. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (a.s.) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (a.s.) as an act of obedience to Allah (SWT). Eid al-Adha follows the conclusion of the yearly Hajj journey.

In this article, we are going to look at the story behind why Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha when it will be observed in 2023, how it will be celebrated, and the concept of Qurbani! Read on to learn more. 

What is the origin of Eid al-Adha?

When asked about the origins of Eid al-Adha, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&F) is quoted as saying, “It is a tradition that has come down to us from Abraham.”

The Holy Quran narrates the account of the Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.), who is commanded by Allah (SWT) to sacrifice his son, Ismail (a.s.), in order to demonstrate his submission to God. As Ibrahim prepares for the sacrifice, God sends a ram in his place to be slain.

Eid al-Adha has unique spiritual significance as well, since it celebrates the culmination of Hajj, or pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. The yearly pilgrimage to Macca is only required of men and women who are physically and financially capable of performing it, and Muslims should try to perform it at least once in their lives.

When is Eid al-Adha in 2023?

Eid al-Adha takes place annually on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts four days. The dates of the Gregorian calendar change from year to year, shifting around 11 days earlier annually.

In many Muslim nations, Eid al-Adha is a public holiday. 

In 2023, Eid al-Adha will begin on the evening of Wednesday, June 28, and finish on the evening of Saturday, July 1.

Who celebrates Eid Al-Adha in the United Kingdom?

Eid al-Adha will be celebrated by Muslims all over the United Kingdom. 

There are roughly 2.8 million Muslims in the United Kingdom, which accounts for around 4.8% of the U.K. population. That’s a lot of people celebrating Eid al-Adha!

How is Eid Al-Adha celebrated?

During Eid al-Adha, friends and families gather to celebrate the joyous occasion in their homes over feasts. Muslims will also give gifts to each other and make donations to those less fortunate on Eid.

On Eid ul-Adha, it is also customary to distribute Qurbani meat to the needy and to recite the Takbir aloud before and after Eid prayers on the first day, as well as after prayers during the days of Eid. 

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani occurs after the Day of Arafah and marks the completion of the Eid al-Adha feast. It is the ritual killing of an animal, which can be a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull, buffalo, or camel. This meat is then distributed to the poor and needy so they too can partake in the Eid celebrations. 

According to the Qurbani Eid laws, slaughter must be done in a halal manner, which means it must be compassionate and meticulously planned to meet the criteria Allah (SWT) gave to the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH&F) in the Qur’an.

لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

“It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you, that ye may glorify Allah for His Guidance to you and proclaim the good news to all who do right” (The Holy Qur’an, 22:37)

Make a Qurbani donation!

When should we give Qurbani?

Many Muslims choose to give Qurbani during the month of Dhul-Hijjah, although some people will donate up to a month before Eid. 

Donations are accepted until the Maghrib prayer on the third day of Eid.

How will my Qurbani help others?

The Zahra Trust strives to deliver your Eid al-Adha donations to the needy, delivering Eid presents to orphans and food boxes to families, so that people living in poverty can enjoy Eid with their brothers and sisters. By following in the footsteps of the Prophets, you can assist poor families in eating meat at Eid and bring them joy.

If you are unable to make a full Qurbani donation, you can still reap the benefits of Dhul Hijjah by contributing any amount to our Qurbani Fund, which we will pool with other donations to guarantee that you contribute to the Eid al-Adha sacrifice. 

The Zahra Trust team slaughtered approximately 3,500 cattle for distribution last year, helping over 80,000 individuals. This year, our global staff is ready to help Muslims all around the world and offer relief to those who need it most.

The Zahra Trust team makes local sacrifices to support farming sectors and sources healthy animals to guarantee the finest quality meat is delivered to struggling families. For many, this is the only time of year they will be able to eat meat.

Follow the tradition of our prophets and give what you can to reap the benefits of these blessed days.

Serve Allah, Serve Humanity. Give Now