What is Eid al-Adha? A Complete Guide for Australian Muslims

The story of Eid al-Adha is one of the most powerful narratives in Islamic tradition. Prophet Ibrahim (as), known in English as Abraham, was a prophet deeply devoted to Allah. For many years he had longed for a son, and when Allah finally blessed him with Ismail (as), Ibrahim loved him dearly. Then came the test: Ibrahim saw a dream in which Allah commanded him to sacrifice his only son. As a prophet, Ibrahim understood the dream was a divine command and prepared to obey.

Ibrahim shared the dream with Ismail, who was then a young man. Without hesitation, Ismail told his father to do as Allah had commanded, saying he would be found among the patient. Together they travelled to the place of sacrifice. Just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the act, Allah called out to him that he had already fulfilled the vision, and a ram was provided from heaven to be sacrificed in Ismail place. The willingness of both father and son became the ultimate example of submission and trust in Allah.

Eid al-Adha is inseparable from Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah that brings millions of Muslims together from every corner of the globe. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and every able Muslim is expected to perform it at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, and its rites directly retrace the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail.

On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims in Makkah perform the ritual stoning at Mina and offer their sacrifice, while Muslims around the world simultaneously celebrate Eid al-Adha. This global synchronicity is part of what makes the festival so powerful: whether someone is standing near the Kaaba or praying in a suburban Australian mosque, they are joining the same collective act of worship and remembrance at the same time.

Qurbani, also called udhiyah, is the ritual sacrifice of a halal livestock animal performed on Eid al-Adha in memory of Prophet Ibrahim. It can be a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, and the animal must meet specific Islamic conditions regarding age, health, and the method of slaughter. Qurbani is performed after the Eid prayer and continues through the three Days of Tashreeq that follow Eid.

The meat from the sacrifice is traditionally divided into three equal portions. The first third is kept for the family performing the qurbani. The second third is shared with friends, neighbours, and relatives. The final third is donated to the poor and those in need. This distribution ensures that everyone in the community, regardless of their means, can enjoy a good meal on Eid. Many Australian Muslims fulfil their qurbani through trusted charities that arrange the sacrifice in countries where the need is greatest.

Eid al-Adha is observed by Australian Muslims from every background, from Lebanese and Turkish communities in Sydney and Melbourne to Somali, Afghan, Bangladeshi, Indonesian, and Malay families across the country. The day begins with the Eid prayer held in mosques, community halls, parks, and exhibition centres in most major cities. Large congregations gather at venues like Lakemba Mosque in Sydney and Preston Mosque in Melbourne, where thousands attend side by side.

After prayer, families visit each other, exchange gifts, and enjoy feasts. Community festivals with rides, halal food stalls, and cultural performances are increasingly common in suburbs with large Muslim populations. Although Eid al-Adha is not a public holiday in Australia, many workplaces and schools accommodate Muslim staff and students who request the day off. Mosques and Islamic charities also organise qurbani drives, allowing Australian Muslims to donate for sacrifices performed overseas where the meat reaches families in need.