When is Eid al-Adha 2023? With the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah just around the corner, many people’s thoughts will naturally turn towards Hajj and Eid.
The date may vary according to moon sightings, but Dhul Hijjah is forecasted to begin on June 19. That would mean Eid al-Adha will fall on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
We’ll know the exact date later in the month when the moon is sighted for the start of Dhul Hijjah.
READ: When is Hajj 2023?
Factfile on Eid al-Adha for non-Muslims
What is Eid al-Adha and how is it celebrated?
Eid al-Adha is translated as the Feast of Sacrifice and is one of the two major Islamic festivals in the Islamic Calendar (the other is Eid al-Fitr).
What is the significance of Eid al-Adha?
This feast falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah and it honours Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) faith in Allah (SWT).
Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (AS), to obey Allah’s will. But at the last moment, Allah interjected and placed a ram for him to sacrifice instead.
To commemorate this, every capable Muslim must sacrifice an animal, Qurbani or Udhiyah, on Eid al-Adha. After the animal has been sacrificed, it is common practice to divide the meat into three equal portions – one for home, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy.
Read: Why you should consider doing Qurbani locally
How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in all Muslim-majority countries. Celebrations can last anywhere between two to four days, depending on the country.
Muslims go to the mosque for a special Eid prayer in the morning on the day of Eid. People dress in their best clothes and are mindful of Allah and all the blessings they have received from him.
It is a time to visit and celebrate with family and friends and have a big feast from the sacrifice made earlier.
