Eid al Adha

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.

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

• The following facts highlight the significance, rituals, and cultural celebrations of Eid al-Adha within the United Kingdom:
  
  The Festival of Sacrifice centers on the ritual of Qurbani, which in the United Kingdom is regulated by strict food standards requiring that any animal sacrifice be processed humanely at licensed slaughterhouses.
• Known as the Greater Eid, the holiday commemorates the story of the Prophet Ibrahim and his unwavering faith, a narrative of devotion that shares deep historical roots with other major world religions.
• Many families in Britain fulfill their charitable duties by donating the cost of their sacrifice to international organizations that distribute meat to those in need across the globe, rather than performing the ritual locally.
• Unlike the earlier Eid al-Fitr, this occasion is colloquially termed the Salty Eid because the communal feasts primarily feature savoury meat-based dishes such as slow-cooked Haleem or spiced lamb kebabs.
• Large-scale communal prayers are a hallmark of the day, with thousands of worshippers gathering at major sites such as Birmingham’s Small Heath Park or various local open-air grounds.
• The annual Eid on the Square event in London's Trafalgar Square provides a public platform to celebrate British Muslim culture through live entertainment, art exhibitions, and diverse culinary offerings.
• The occasion coincides with the final days of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, marking the successful completion of a sacred journey that is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith.
• The tradition of Eidi involves elder family members giving cash or small presents to children, which helps to foster a festive and generous environment within households throughout the celebrations.
• For breakfast or brunch, many British families prepare Sheer Khurma, a toasted vermicelli pudding enriched with milk, nuts, and dates that remains a staple of the holiday morning.
• Although the event is not a statutory bank holiday in the UK, it is increasingly common for schools and workplaces to offer authorized leave for staff and students to observe religious prayers and spend time with their 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.