Do all Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha or only pilgrims?
All Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, not only those on Hajj. Pilgrims mark it in Mina near Makkah, while Muslims everywhere else pray the Eid prayer, offer a sacrifice (qurbani) if they can, and celebrate with family and friends.
One of the two Eids of Islam
When the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, he told the people that Allah had given them two better festival days, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr (Sunan Abi Dawud 1134). Both are for the whole Muslim community. Eid al-Adha falls on 10 Dhul Hijjah, the day after the Day of Arafah, and lasts until the end of the three following days (the days of tashriq). See What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
How pilgrims spend Eid
On Hajj, the day of Eid is the busiest day. Pilgrims stone the large pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah), slaughter their sacrifice, shave or trim their hair and perform tawaf at the Kaaba. They don't pray the Eid prayer, because these rites take its place.
How everyone else celebrates
The Prophet ﷺ said that the first thing we do on this day is pray, and then return and offer the sacrifice (Sahih al-Bukhari 951). That's still the order today:
- The Eid prayer in the morning at a mosque or open prayer ground.
- Qurbani, a sheep, goat or a share in a cow or camel, offered after the prayer by those who can afford it. See What is qurbani and do I have to do it?
- Takbir, saying "Allahu akbar" often from the start of Dhul Hijjah until the last day of tashriq.
- Family, food and gifts, sharing the meat with relatives, friends and the poor.
Linked to Hajj, shared by all
Muslims who aren't on Hajj are connected to it in other ways. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the best days of the year for good deeds, and fasting the Day of Arafah is a strong sunnah for those not on pilgrimage. See What are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah? and Should I fast on the Day of Arafah?
So whether you live in London, Lyon or Los Angeles, Eid al-Adha is your Eid too, even if you've never been to Makkah.
- Eid al-Adha is for every Muslim, not only pilgrims.
- Pilgrims perform Hajj rites in Mina instead of the Eid prayer.
- Everyone else prays Eid, then offers qurbani if they can afford it.
- The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah and the Day of Arafah are for everyone.
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