As the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah approaches, Muslims around the world prepare for the holiest season in the Islamic calendar. At Dar ul Jannah Islamic Center, we help our community understand and prepare for these sacred days. Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. This "Festival of Sacrifice," also known as Bakra Eid or the Greater Eid, follows the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
1. What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is one of the two major Eids celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It honors Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (AS) in complete obedience to Allah's command. Before the sacrifice could take place, Allah (SWT) miraculously replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, honoring Ibrahim's devotion. This event teaches us about faith, obedience, and submission to Allah.
2. When is Eid al-Adha 2026? Key Dates
Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon. Based on astronomical calculations, here are the expected dates for 2026. The 1st of Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday, May 18th, 2026. The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is expected on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026. Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) is expected on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026. The Days of Tashriq will continue from May 27th to May 30th, 2026. Please note that these dates are tentative and subject to the official crescent moon sighting by local religious authorities.
3. The Sacred First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most blessed days in the sight of Allah (SWT). In fact, they are considered even more virtuous than the days of Ramadan, aside from Laylatul Qadr. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that no good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Recommended acts of worship during these 10 days include fasting the first 9 days, especially the Day of Arafah. You should also increase Dhikr and Takbeer, recite the Quran daily, give charity to those in need, seek forgiveness for your sins, and arrange your Qurbani sacrifice in advance.
4. The Day of Arafah - A Day Like No Other (May 26th, 2026)
The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah is known as the Day of Arafah. This is the most important day of the entire Islamic year. It is the day when pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat, making supplication to Allah. For those not performing Hajj, fasting on this day carries immense reward. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. On this day, you should fast from dawn to sunset if not performing Hajj. Increase your duas as this is a day when prayers are readily accepted. Recite the Takbeer of Tashriq loudly, make sincere repentance for past mistakes, and give charity to the poor and needy.
5. Sunnah Acts of Eid al-Adha
Following the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ensures we receive the full blessings of this blessed day. On Eid day, you should wake up early before sunrise and perform Ghusl (full ritual bath). Brush your teeth with a miswak or toothbrush and wear your best clean clothes, new if possible. Men should apply perfume. Do not eat before the Eid prayer. Unlike Eid al-Fitr, it is sunnah to eat after the prayer, preferably from the meat of your sacrifice. Recite the Takbeer aloud on your way to the prayer ground. Attend the Eid prayer at your local mosque or Eidgah and listen to the Khutbah (sermon) after the prayer. Take a different route when returning home from the prayer. Exchange Eid greetings such as "Eid Mubarak" or "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" and sacrifice your Qurbani if you are financially able.
6. The Eid al-Adha Prayer - A Step-by-Step Guide
Eid al-Adha prayer consists of two rak'ahs and is performed shortly after sunrise. In the first rak'ah, you make your intention and say Allahu Akbar to begin (Takbirat-ul-Ihram). Then you say 7 additional Takbeers before reciting Surah al-Fatiha. In the second rak'ah, you stand up, say Allahu Akbar, then say 5 additional Takbeers before reciting Surah al-Fatiha. After completing the prayer, you must listen attentively to the Imam's Khutbah (sermon). There is no Adhan or Iqamah for Eid prayer. This has been clearly established in authentic hadith (Sahih Muslim: 885).
7. Qurbani (Sacrifice) - Rules and Significance
Qurbani refers to the ritual sacrifice of an animal on Eid al-Adha. It commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and is a confirmed sunnah (or wajib according to the Hanafi madhab) for every adult Muslim who possesses the Nisab (wealth threshold). The sacrifice is valid only during specific days: the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid day) after the Eid prayer, and the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah (Days of Tashriq). If an animal is sacrificed before the Eid prayer, it must be repeated. Permissible animals include sheep (6 months or 1 year preferred, 1 share), goat (1 year, 1 share), cow or buffalo (2 years, 7 shares), and camel (5 years, 7 shares). The animal must be healthy and free from defects. The sacrifice must be done for Allah alone, and the person sacrificing should say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar". According to the sunnah, the meat should be divided into three equal parts: one-third for your own family, one-third for relatives, friends, and neighbors, and one-third for the poor and needy.
8. Rules for Those Intending to Offer Qurbani
If you plan to offer a sacrifice on Eid al-Adha, there are specific rules you must follow. From the 1st of Dhul Hijjah (expected May 18th, 2026) until after your sacrifice is completed, do not remove any hair, nails, or skin. This ruling applies only to the person offering the sacrifice, not to other family members. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that when the ten days of Dhul Hijjah begin, and one of you intends to sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his hair or skin. As we prepare for Eid al-Adha 2026, let us remember that this blessed occasion is more than just celebration. It is a time to strengthen our relationship with Allah through increased worship, help the less fortunate through charity and Qurbani, unite with family and community in joy and gratitude, and reflect on the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and apply that spirit of submission in our own lives.
Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones!
Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept from us and from you).
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