Eid al Adha

Date shown for 2026 is estimated as the official date has not been finalized as of September 2025.

Eid al-Adha History

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a major Islamic holiday celebrated worldwide, including in Canada. The holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Christianity and Judaism) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah (God). However, Allah provided a sheep to be sacrificed instead, and this event is commemorated by slaughtering an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow, and distributing the meat to the less fortunate.

In Canada, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by attending prayer services, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals with family and friends. The celebrations usually last for three days, with the first day being the most important. The history of Eid al-Adha in Canada dates back to the early 1900s when Muslim immigrants from various countries began arriving in Canada. Initially, the holiday was celebrated in private homes and community centers. However, as the Muslim population grew, more mosques were established, and public celebrations became more widespread.

Today, Eid al-Adha is recognized as a holiday in several Canadian provinces and is a time for Muslims to come together and celebrate their faith and their culture. The holiday is also an opportunity for non-Muslims to learn about and appreciate the diversity of Canada's multicultural society. Eid al-Adha is observed on June 28th this year.

Facts about Eid al-Adha

• Unlike regular prayers, prayers for Eid al-Adha takes place in any large, open field. There Muslims from many mosques congregate together. Usually, mosques collaborate together to find a field that is convenient for everyone to go to. In the United States, Eid prayers often occur in parks.
• Festivities begin with a prayer service, followed by a brief sermon on the morning of the first day. During the prayer, Muslims recite verses from the Quran, lead by an Imam, prostrate to God, and send their peace to Muhammad and Abraham.
• Qurbani, or the act of sacrificing an animal as part of the Eid al-Adha tradition, is carried out by Muslims in Canada. People often do so by pooling resources with family or friends to purchase an animal or donate to a farm or a butcher.
• It is customary for Muslims in Canada to dress in their finest clothes and exchange gifts as a part of the festivities and to promote unity and strengthen relationships within the community.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Eid al Adha

Top things to do in Canada for Eid al-Adha

• Often, a large party is thrown by Muslims on one of the three days of Eid al-Adha. Meat from slaughtered animals is served.
• It is Islamic tradition to wear your most beautiful clothes on the first day of Eid al-Adha. A few days before Eid al-Adha, Muslims shop for their new Eid clothes. Merchants in Islamic countries often hold their biggest sales before Eid al-Adha.
• Many Islamic centers and mosques, such as the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, Baitul Mukarram in Vancouver, or the Ottawa Mosque, hold special Eid prayers and festivities where you can join in prayer, socializing, and good food.
• Eid al-Adha is a time to enjoy traditional food and gifts from the diverse Muslim community. Check out local Middle Eastern or South Asian grocery stores and eateries in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary where you can find halal meat, sweets, and gifts for family and friends.