Eid al Adha

Eid al-Adha History

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a major Islamic holiday celebrated worldwide, including in Canada. The holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Christianity and Judaism) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah (God). However, Allah provided a sheep to be sacrificed instead, and this event is commemorated by slaughtering an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow, and distributing the meat to the less fortunate.

In Canada, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by attending prayer services, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals with family and friends. The celebrations usually last for three days, with the first day being the most important. The history of Eid al-Adha in Canada dates back to the early 1900s when Muslim immigrants from various countries began arriving in Canada. Initially, the holiday was celebrated in private homes and community centers. However, as the Muslim population grew, more mosques were established, and public celebrations became more widespread.

Today, Eid al-Adha is recognized as a holiday in several Canadian provinces and is a time for Muslims to come together and celebrate their faith and their culture. The holiday is also an opportunity for non-Muslims to learn about and appreciate the diversity of Canada's multicultural society. Eid al-Adha is observed on June 28th this year.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Eid al Adha (Begins) in Canada

• The upcoming observance of Eid al-Adha in Canada is marked by unique cultural milestones and community initiatives that reflect the country’s growing and diverse Muslim population.
  
  Canada Post has officially issued a new set of postage stamps to commemorate the festival, featuring a design that blends traditional Islamic geometric patterns with stylized maple leaves to represent the uniquely Canadian Muslim identity.
• The national campaign known as Eid With A Muslim Friend encourages families across the country to open their homes and dinner tables to non-Muslim neighbors to share traditional meals and foster interfaith understanding.
• Many Canadian Muslims choose to fulfill their religious obligation of Qurbani by donating to organizations such as the Muslim Food Bank, which ensures fresh meat is distributed to local families facing food insecurity in cities like Surrey, Toronto, and Edmonton.
• In the Greater Toronto Area, the MAC Eid Festival is one of the largest congregational gatherings, often held at massive venues like the Enercare Centre to accommodate thousands of worshippers for morning prayers and family carnivals.
• Cultural celebrations often feature traditional South Asian and Middle Eastern desserts such as Phirni or kunafa, which have seen a surge in popularity in Canadian culinary circles during the festive season.
• For many families, the holiday is an opportunity to share educational creative works with younger generations, such as the children's book Sami's Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story, which highlights the values of sacrifice and generosity.
• The Grand Eid Ul Adha Bazaar in Mississauga serves as a major hub for the community to purchase traditional clothing and jewelry, reflecting the vibrant commercial and cultural life surrounding the observance.
• While it is not a federal public holiday, there is a significant and ongoing effort by community leaders in provinces like Ontario and Alberta to have the day formally recognized by school boards to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of students who observe the festival.
• Thousands of Canadians participate in the global Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in the weeks leading up to the holiday, an experience often documented and shared through community workshops and local media outlets.
• The Day of Arafah, which occurs immediately before the start of Eid, is observed by many in Canada through fasting and increased spiritual reflection, serving as a solemn prelude to the joyous festivities that follow.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Eid al Adha

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• Many Islamic centers and mosques, such as the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, Baitul Mukarram in Vancouver, or the Ottawa Mosque, hold special Eid prayers and festivities where you can join in prayer, socializing, and good food.
• Eid al-Adha is a time to enjoy traditional food and gifts from the diverse Muslim community. Check out local Middle Eastern or South Asian grocery stores and eateries in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary where you can find halal meat, sweets, and gifts for family and friends.