Topic

Eid & Islamic Holidays

Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, qurbani, Hajj and the Islamic calendar. Short, honest answers for new Muslims.

What is the month of Rabi al-Awwal?

Rabi al-Awwal is the 3rd Islamic month, when the Prophet Muhammad was born, reached Medina and died. What it means and how Muslims mark it.

Arbaeen is a Shia commemoration held 40 days after Ashura for Husayn, the Prophet's grandson, marked by a huge walk to Karbala in Iraq.

All Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, not just pilgrims. Pilgrims mark it in Mina, while everyone else prays Eid and offers qurbani at home.

It depends: some scholars let one animal count as both qurbani and aqiqah, while the Maliki and Shafi'i schools require a separate sacrifice.

Yes, you can donate qurbani meat to a food bank, since feeding the needy is its purpose. Check they take fresh meat and never sell any part.

Explain qurbani to non-Muslim family through Abraham's story, sharing meat with the poor, and Islam's rules on gentle care for the animal.

No, buying lamb meat from the butcher isn't qurbani. Qurbani is sacrificing a whole eligible animal after the Eid prayer with that intention.

No, qurbani isn't meant to be cruel: Islam requires a healthy animal, gentle handling and a quick cut with a sharp knife. Here's why.

Yes, you can do more than one qurbani. The Prophet sacrificed two rams; extra qurbanis for family, the deceased or charity are rewarded.

Yes, you can celebrate Eid al-Adha without qurbani. It's only asked of those who can afford it, and Eid prayer, takbir and Arafah cost nothing.

Dhul Qadah is the 11th Islamic month and one of the four sacred months. Learn its meaning, its link to Hajj and the Prophet's umrahs.

No, you don't need to be present at your qurbani. You can appoint a Muslim butcher or charity to slaughter it for you; it's still valid.