Eid al-Adha in Sydney
This is Islam's second major festival. It falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah during the Hajj season.
Its exact date is confirmed by moon sighting and is not fixed in advance.
The basics
The festival, in short
10 Dhul Hijjah
Its date on the Hijri calendar
Qurbani
Ritual sacrifice performed
Hajj season
Coincides with
~70 days
After Eid al-Fitr
What it commemorates
This festival commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. God provided a ram in his place instead. The festival is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice.
It falls during the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah. Many Muslims who are not on Hajj fast on the Day of Arafah, the day before Eid.
Many also mark the day with Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal. The meat is traditionally shared between family, friends and those in need.
Eid prayer and Qurbani in Sydney
The day starts with Salat al-Eid. It is a congregational prayer of two rakats followed by a sermon (khutbah). It is prayed in the morning after sunrise. Mosques often hold more than one session because of the crowds.
Qurbani is offered on the days of Eid. Many people arrange it through their mosque or a charity. Ask yours what it offers. You can find a mosque in the mosque directory.
To plan your morning, check sunrise for your suburb on the Sydney prayer times page.
Why the date isn't fixed here
Like Eid al-Fitr, this festival's Gregorian date depends on the Islamic lunar calendar. It is confirmed by moon sighting and not set on a fixed annual calendar.
That is why it moves about 10 to 11 days earlier each year. Your local mosque or the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) announces the confirmed date. It can differ by a day from the date announced overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eid al-Adha? +
It falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, during the Hajj season. Its Gregorian date moves about 10 to 11 days earlier each year. It is confirmed locally by moon sighting.
What does this festival commemorate? +
It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. God provided a ram in his place. It falls during the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.
Is Eid ul-Adha the same as Bakra Eid? +
Yes. Eid ul-Adha and Eid al Adha are other spellings of the same festival. In South Asia it is also called Bakra Eid or Bakrid, after the animal sacrifice.
Is this festival related to Ramadan? +
Not directly. It falls about 70 days after Eid al-Fitr. Together they are the two major festivals of the Islamic calendar. This site covers both.
What is Qurbani? +
It is the ritual sacrifice of an animal, commonly a sheep, goat, cow or camel, offered on the days of Eid. The meat is traditionally shared between family, friends and those in need.
What time is the Eid prayer in Sydney? +
Salat al-Eid is prayed in the morning after sunrise. Each mosque sets its own session times and many hold more than one. Ask your local mosque for its exact times.
Should I fast on the Day of Arafah? +
Many Muslims who are not performing Hajj fast on the Day of Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. It is the day before Eid. Fasting on it is a recommended act, not an obligation.