Eid al-Adha is one of the two blessed celebrations Muslims obverse, the other being Eid al-Fitr. There are many observances unique to Eid Al-Adha (and Dhul Hijjah in general), including Qurban.

This year, Eid Al Adha 2024 is expected to fall on Sunday, June 16, 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon.

What is Eid Al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha (meaning “festival of sacrifice”) is an Islamic celebration occurring in Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic (Hijri) Calendar. Depending on the country and lunar cycle for the year, the celebration can last two to four days.

The Eid of Sacrifice commemorates the ultimate act of sacrifice performed by our beloved Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The submission he made in his willingness to give up what he loved most, his son, Ismail (AS), for the sake of Allah (SWT). 

As such, Muslims, in turn, also offer a sacrifice, known as Qurban, on this day of celebration.

What is Qurban?

Qurban (also known as Qurbani or Udhiyah) means sacrifice. It is an act of worship unique to Eid al-Adha, commemorating the sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made to Allah (SWT).

Following the Eid prayer on the first day of celebration, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – typically a sheep, goat, camel or cow. The sacrificed animal is then divided into three equal portions. One-third shared goes to the needy, one-third goes to relatives and neighbours, and the remainder Muslims keep for their own families. 

Who should give Qurban?

Qurban is an important act of worship that every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty should do if they can afford it. Typically, Muslims who are eligible for Zakat should also give Qurban.

When should I give my Qurban?

It is best practice to purchase your Qurban as early as possible so that it can be performed on time. While one can carry out the sacrifice on any day of Eid al-Adha (from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah), performing it on the first day is Sunnah.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to carry out the sacrifice immediately after the Eid prayer. In turn, his first meal on the day of Eid was meat from the sacrifice. 

Other Observances of Eid Al-Adha

As with any festival and important occasion, we follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). There are various Sunnah acts of worship you can do on the day of Eid. These include performing ghusl, wearing one’s best clothes, reciting takbeer and offering Eid greetings.

Similar to Eid al-Fitr, Eid prayer is also an important part of Eid al-Adha. Attending the Eid prayer and walking to the Eid prayer are also Sunan of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Why donate your Qurban to Islamic Relief?

When you donate your Qurban to Islamic Relief, we prioritise providing meat to the most vulnerable families across the world during the Holy season. 

Our international teams work hard to get your donation to the hardest-to-reach regions and conflict-affected areas, including Myanmar, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. 

Meat is sourced locally to support the local economy and distributed fresh. All logistics—from sacrifice to transportation—are handled in accordance with Islamic principles, and with the best hygienic practices possible. Each pack contains 2-5 kilograms of meat and feeds a family of approximately 4-8 people.

Donate Qurban now and make your sacrifice.