Codex of FaithsAn illustrated atlas of belief

Islam

Eid al-Adha

When is Eid al-Adha in 2027, the feast of sacrifice: the story of Abraham and his son, its link with the hajj pilgrimage, and how Muslims share the sacrifice with family and the poor.

Next date

Sunday, 16 May 2027

Begins at sunset the evening before.

Expected date; it may fall on 17 May depending on the sighting of the moon.

In brief

  1. I.Eid al-Adha, “the festival of sacrifice”, is the greater of the two Muslim festivals.
  2. II.It recalls Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son at God’s command, and God’s gift of a ram in his place.
  3. III.It falls during the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, the day after pilgrims stand at Arafat.
  4. IV.Families who can afford it sacrifice an animal and share the meat with relatives and the poor.

Chapter I

What it celebrates

The Qur’an tells how Abraham (Ibrahim) dreamed that God commanded him to sacrifice his son. Father and son both submitted, and as Abraham prepared, God called out to him and gave a great sacrifice in the boy’s place. The story is the model of islam, submission to God.

The festival falls on the tenth day of the month of pilgrimage. While millions of pilgrims in Mecca complete the rites of the hajj, Muslims everywhere celebrate with them.

Chapter II

How it is kept

The day begins with the Eid prayer. Afterwards, families who can afford it sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel, following rules for humane slaughter. The meat is divided into three: for the family, for relatives and friends, and for the poor.

Over the following days families visit each other, eat festive meals and give gifts. Many fast on the Day of Arafat, the day before.

Chapter III

Around the world

In Turkey the feast is Kurban Bayramı, in West Africa Tabaski, in South Asia Bakra Eid. Many countries give several days of public holiday, and livestock markets fill in the weeks before.

Questions people ask

Which son was Abraham told to sacrifice?

The Qur’an does not name him. Most Muslim scholars hold it was Ishmael; the Bible names Isaac.

Do all Muslims sacrifice an animal?

It is recommended for those who can afford it. Many now pay charities to carry out the sacrifice and distribute the meat to people in need.

Sources and further reading

  1. Toronto Metropolitan University, “2027 Calendar of Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances”
  2. Khaleej Times, “Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha 2027: likely dates” (Emirates Astronomy Centre)
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Hajj”

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