Of the two Eids in Islam, Eid al-Adha is the one that carries the greatest weight in Islamic tradition. It is sometimes called the "Greater Eid," and once you understand the story behind it and what the day actually involves, it is easy to see why.
This guide explains what Eid al-Adha is, why Muslims celebrate it, what the Qurbani sacrifice means, who receives the meat, and how the day unfolds at Warragul Mosque.
What Is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى) translates as the "Festival of Sacrifice." It falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it coincides with the days of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
It is one of the two most important days on the Islamic calendar. The other is Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. If you want to understand how the two relate, read our guide on both Eid celebrations here.
The Story Behind It: Ibrahim and the Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha is a commemoration of one of the most profound stories in Islamic faith, one that also appears in Christianity and Judaism.
God commanded the Prophet Ibrahim (known as Abraham in the Bible) to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith and obedience. Ibrahim loved his son deeply. Yet he submitted to God's command, and Ismail, who was told of the vision, agreed to go through with it.
At the very moment Ibrahim was prepared to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened. He called out to Ibrahim, told him he had passed the test, and replaced Ismail with a ram to be sacrificed instead.
The story is not about the act of sacrifice itself. It is about total trust in God, the willingness to give up what you hold most dear, and the understanding that obedience to God is at the centre of a Muslim's life. Eid al-Adha is the annual reminder of that.
Why Eid al-Adha Is Considered the Greater Eid
In Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha carries more religious weight than Eid ul-Fitr for a few reasons.
It coincides with Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, when millions of Muslims from around the world gather at Mecca for one of the most spiritually significant events in the Islamic calendar. The day of Eid al-Adha is the day pilgrims on Hajj complete the most important part of their journey.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that the Day of Arafah (the day before Eid al-Adha, when pilgrims stand in prayer at the plain of Arafah) is the greatest day of the year. For Muslims who are not on Hajj, fasting on that day is highly recommended and is said to expiate sins of the past and coming year.
What Is Qurbani?
Qurbani (also called Udhiyah in Arabic) is the act of sacrificing a livestock animal during the days of Eid al-Adha. It is an act of worship that commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice and is obligatory for every Muslim who can afford it.
The animal can be a sheep, a goat, a cow, a buffalo, or a camel. A sheep or goat counts as a Qurbani for one person or one household. A cow or camel can be shared between up to seven people.
The animal must be of a certain age and free from significant defects. At the time of slaughter, the name of God is invoked.
Who Gets the Meat?
This is one of the most important and distinctive aspects of Eid al-Adha, and it is one that the wider community should know about.
The Qurbani meat is divided into three equal parts:
One third goes to the family. The household that performed the sacrifice keeps a portion for themselves to enjoy as part of the celebration.
One third goes to relatives, friends, and neighbours. This is about strengthening community bonds and sharing the blessing of the day with people close to you, including non-Muslim neighbours. It is entirely normal and encouraged for Muslims to give Qurbani meat to their non-Muslim neighbours as a gift.
One third goes to the poor and those in need. This is the part that many people consider the heart of Qurbani. The purpose is to ensure that families who cannot afford meat are able to eat well on this day too. No one in the community should go without food on Eid al-Adha.
Across the world, Muslim charities organise large-scale Qurbani programs to send meat to communities facing food insecurity in countries like Pakistan, Somalia, Bangladesh, and Syria. Many Muslims in Australia donate a Qurbani through these organisations in addition to, or instead of, a local sacrifice.
What Special About the Day Itself
Beyond the sacrifice, Eid al-Adha is a full celebration. The day begins with a special Eid prayer in the morning, held at the mosque or a large outdoor venue. The prayer is followed by a sermon and then the exchange of greetings.
The greeting on Eid al-Adha is the same as on Eid ul-Fitr. Eid Mubarak means "Blessed Eid." Eid Saeed means "Happy Eid." Both are warmly received.
Families gather, share meals, visit one another, and give gifts to children. People dress in their best clothes. For Muslims watching the Hajj pilgrimage from home, it is also a time to feel connected to the two million pilgrims completing their journey at Mecca.
When Is Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall around 6 to 7 June 2026, subject to moon sighting. Like all Islamic dates, the exact day is confirmed by the sighting of the new crescent moon.
Eid al-Adha at Warragul Mosque
Before Warragul Mosque opened, Eid al-Adha was something many families in Baw Baw Shire observed quietly at home, or drove long distances to celebrate with other Muslims. There was no local prayer, no community gathering, and no way for children growing up in the shire to experience the day surrounded by others who shared their faith.
That has changed.
Warragul Mosque now holds an Eid al-Adha prayer every year, open to the whole community. Muslims and non-Muslim neighbours alike are welcome to attend and observe. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and it has become one of the most attended events the mosque holds each year.
Community members also come together to organise Qurbani, with meat distributed locally to those in need across Baw Baw Shire.
If you would like to know the date and time of the Eid al-Adha prayer this year, follow us on Instagram at @binai.charity or email hello@binai.org.au.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eid al-Adha
What does Eid al-Adha mean in English? Eid al-Adha means "Festival of Sacrifice" in Arabic. It commemorates the story of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God.
Is Eid al-Adha the same as Eid ul-Fitr? No. They are two separate celebrations. Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha comes about 70 days later and is tied to the Hajj pilgrimage and the story of Ibrahim's sacrifice.
What animal is sacrificed on Eid al-Adha? Usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The animal must meet Islamic requirements around age and health. The act is called Qurbani or Udhiyah.
Do all Muslims do Qurbani? Qurbani is obligatory for every Muslim who meets the financial threshold (owning wealth above the nisab, the minimum amount). Those who cannot afford it are not required to perform it and may in fact be recipients of the meat.
Can non-Muslims receive Qurbani meat? Yes. Non-Muslim neighbours are among those who commonly receive a share of Qurbani meat as a gift. The spirit of the day is generosity and community.
Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in Australia? No, it is not a public holiday in Australia. Many Muslims take the day off work or arrange to attend the morning prayer before starting their day.
How can I attend Eid prayer at Warragul Mosque? No booking is needed. Just arrive before the prayer begins. Times are announced on Instagram @binai.charity and via email. The mosque is at 72 Victoria Street, Warragul VIC 3820.
Warragul Mosque, 72 Victoria Street, Warragul VIC 3820. Operated by BINAI, ABN: 16 723 284 175.