Exploring traditions from other cultures helps your child grow in understanding and love for the peoples that God loves. Eid al-Adha (eed uhl-ad-HAH) is a Muslim holiday starting on the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025.
As you discover more about Eid al-Adha with your family, consider reading the biblical account of Abraham’s sacrifice from Genesis 22 together. Afterwards, ask them to point out the differences between the Bible and the Qu’ran (kuh-RAHN) versions. Let your children know the Bible’s account is true, but many Muslims think their story from the Qu’ran is right. Pray for the truth of God’s Word to be made clear to Muslims.
Each year, the exact date of Eid al-Adha changes on the Western calendar because it’s based on the Islamic lunar calendar. This means over time, the date of Eid al-Adha moves up eleven days each year because it’s based on the moon's phases.
Eid al-Adha means “Feast of Sacrifice” and is one of the biggest holidays of the year for Muslims. (Like Easter is for Christians!) It celebrates a story from the Qu’ran, a Muslim holy book. The story tells how Abraham received dreams from God to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. On Abraham’s way to sacrifice his son, Satan tries to stop him. Abraham throws stones at Satan and makes him go away. When Abraham prepares to offer his son as a sacrifice, the angel Gabriel stops him and provides a ram for the sacrifice instead of Ishmael.
Muslims celebrate Abraham’s willingness to obey God’s command each year. They start the holiday by offering an Eid prayer, then (if a family can afford it) sacrifice an animal—a camel, sheep, goat, or ram.
The meat from the animal is split three ways so everyone in the community can eat a good meal on this holiday. First, the family that sacrificed the animal keeps some of the meat. Second, some of the meat is given to friends and relatives. Third, a portion of the meat is given to those in need.
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha for four days and dress in nice clothes, visit family and friends, eat tasty food, exchange gifts, and greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” (eed MOO-bahr-aack), which means “Have a blessed Eid!”
Read the full article with ways to pray and a family activity on Via Families.