What is Eid al-Adha?

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| Last Update January 10, 2026 5:01 pm

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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.

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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