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What is Eid al-Adha? The Festival of Sacrifice and Devotion
While Eid al-Fitr marks the end of a month of fasting, Eid al-Adha, often called the “Greater Eid,” represents the ultimate act of submission to God. It honors the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage. Unlike the celebratory feast of Fitr, Adha is deeply rooted in the concept of Qurbani (sacrifice) and the redistribution of wealth to the less fortunate.
The core difference: Eid al-Fitr vs. Eid al-Adha
It is common for those outside the faith to confuse the two, but for Muslims, the distinction is clear. Eid al-Fitr is the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” focused on communal prayers and Zakat al-Fitr (charity in the form of food). In contrast, Eid al-Adha is the “Festival of Sacrifice.” While both involve prayer and family gatherings, Adha’s unique pillar is the Udhiyah (the sacrificial animal), symbolizing gratitude and the willingness to give up something precious for the sake of the Divine.
The Tradition of Qurbani: Sacrifice and Charity
The hallmark of this Eid is the slaughtering of a sheep, goat, or cow. This is not merely a ritual; it is a system of social welfare. According to Islamic tradition, the meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives/friends, and one for the poor.
In a modern context, many Muslims, especially in the West, choose to perform this through charitable donations. Instead of slaughtering the animal themselves, they pay a set amount to organizations that distribute meat to famine-stricken or impoverished areas globally.
How to Perform Qurbani in Canada
For Muslims in Canada, the process is governed by strict food safety and animal welfare regulations. You cannot perform a sacrifice in your backyard. Instead, you have two main options:
- Local Farms & Abattoirs: Booking your sacrifice at government-inspected farms in Ontario or Alberta. Many local Halal butchers facilitate this process.
- Digital Donations: Using established Canadian NGOs such as Islamic Relief Canada or IDRF. These platforms allow you to select the country where you want your sacrifice to be performed.
Qurbani Options for Muslims in Canada
Many Muslims in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec prefer visiting local government-inspected farms to select their sacrifice. This tradition allows families, especially children, to understand the essence of Udhiyah while supporting local Canadian farmers. Ensure you book your slot early, as certified halal farms near the GTA and Calgary fill up weeks before Eid.
For those living in urban centers like Toronto or Vancouver, local halal butchers offer a convenient ‘Order & Pick-up’ service. You can pre-order your lamb, goat, or beef share, and the butcher handles the slaughter according to Shariah standards on the days of Eid. This is a great way to ensure fresh meat for your family gatherings.
Many Canadian Muslims choose to perform their Qurbani through registered charities like Islamic Relief Canada or Penny Appeal Canada. These organizations distribute meat to those in need in over 30 countries. This option is highly organized, tax-deductible in Canada, and ensures your sacrifice reaches the most vulnerable worldwide.
5 Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha for Canadian Muslims
- The Ritual Bath (Ghusl): Perform Ghusl before heading out to the Eid prayer to maintain physical and spiritual purity.
- Dressing Your Best: It is Sunnah to wear your best clothes (or new ones) to honor the joy of the day.
- The Takbirat: Recite the Takbirat (Allahu Akbar…) from the Fajr of Arafah until the last day of Tashreeq.
- Changing Routes: Take one path to the prayer ground and return by another to spread the greetings of Eid across the neighborhood.
- The Post-Prayer Meal:Unlike Eid al-Fitr, it is recommended to delay eating until after the Eid prayer, ideally starting with the meat from your Qurbani.
Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia: The Epicentre of Hajj
In Saudi Arabia, Eid al-Adha is experienced on a massive scale as it marks the climax of the Hajj. The Kingdom utilizes high-tech solutions like the Adahi Project, which manages millions of sacrifices efficiently, ensuring the meat is frozen and shipped to needy people in over 25 countries. This is a perfect example of how ancient tradition meets modern logistics.
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About The Author
Salam Aljabban
Salam Aljabban is a business-minded storyteller with an MBA and a deep-rooted love for traditional halal food and Middle Eastern culinary heritage. Her upbringing across multiple Ontario cities has given her a rich perspective on Canada’s multicultural food scene—especially within Arab and Islamic communities.
Beyond writing, Salam loves to cook Middle Eastern food at home and runs a casual catering service for a close network of family and friends—turning her kitchen into a space of comfort, generosity, and shared memories.
As a contributor to The Halal Food and a proud member of Arabz, she blends cultural insight with modern curiosity, highlighting the flavors, traditions, and values behind every halal meal. Her writing celebrates not just what’s on the table, but the stories and connections that make each dish meaningful.
Follow her culinary journey and kitchen moments on Instagram: @salamaljabban — and discover the heart behind every bite.
