- 10 Dhu al-Hijjah
- Kept for about four days
- Meat shared in three parts
Where it began
The name means the festival of sacrifice. It recalls the story, told in the Quran, of Ibrahim's readiness to give up his son at God's command, and the ram given in his place.
The day comes after the day of Arafah, the high point of the Hajj in Mecca. Muslims who are not on Hajj keep the festival at home, and many fast on the day of Arafah before it.
How it grew over time
7th century
The Prophet and his companions keep the first Eid al-Adha in Medina.
Early Islamic centuries
The Hajj grows into a great gathering, and Eid al-Adha is kept across the Muslim world on the same days.
Modern era
Travel by sea and air lets millions of people make the Hajj, while families at home keep the Eid.
Today
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in many countries, known in South Asia as Bakrid.
How it is celebrated in different places
Mecca
Pilgrims on Hajj mark the day with the sacrifice and the rites at Mina.
India and Bangladesh
Called Bakrid or Eid ul-Azha, it brings morning prayer at big mosques and meals shared with neighbours.
Turkey
Known as Kurban Bayrami, it is a long holiday of family visits.
West Africa
Called Tabaski, it is one of the biggest family feasts of the year.
Eid al-Adha moments
Eid al-Adha today
Families wake early for the Eid prayer, then share the sacrifice meat in three parts: for the home, for relatives and friends, and for those in need. Many now give through charities so that families far away can share in the feast.
