Eid al-Adha

2024Sunday, June 16
Eid al-Adha

Quick Facts

Date
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Observed in
United Arab Emirates, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Indonesia, Oman, Serbia +2 more
Type
Religious Holiday

What is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha, meaning "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide a ram instead.

When is Eid al-Adha 2024?

Eid al-Adha is on Sunday, June 16 in 2024. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.

YearDateDay
2024June 16Sunday
2025June 6Friday
2026May 27Wednesday
2027May 16Sunday
2028May 5Friday

History & Origin

The holiday commemorates the Quranic story of Ibrahim's devotion to God. When God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail, he prepared to obey. At the last moment, God provided a ram as a substitute. This act of faith is central to Islamic tradition and occurs during the Hajj pilgrimage season.

How It's Celebrated

Celebrations begin with a special prayer at the mosque. Families perform Qurbani (animal sacrifice), sharing the meat equally among family, friends, and the poor. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and visit relatives. The holiday typically lasts 3-4 days.

Where It's Observed

Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in 7 countries. In 2024, it falls on Sunday, June 16.

Fun Facts

  • 💡Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar
  • 💡The sacrifice typically involves a sheep, goat, cow, or camel
  • 💡One-third of the meat goes to the poor, making charity central to the celebration
  • 💡Over 2 million Muslims perform Hajj pilgrimage during this time

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Eid al-Adha celebrated?

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar, so the date shifts each year in the Gregorian calendar.

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani is the ritual animal sacrifice performed during Eid al-Adha, commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.

Travel Inspiration

Planning a trip around Eid al-Adha? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.