Id al-Adha - the Feast of Sacrifice (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

ʿId al-Adha as a celebration at the end of Hajj

• ʿId al-Adha takes place on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar

  • It marks the end of Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam

• The festival was established by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• It is the most important Islamic festival and is celebrated by Muslims around the world, including those who have not completed the Hajj

• For pilgrims performing the Hajj, it follows the Day of Arafat and includes the animal sacrifice at Mina

ʿId al-Adha and the testing of Ibrahim

• ʿId al-Adha commemorates the story of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) obedience to Allah

• Muslims remember Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il when God asked him to

  • Ibrahim had a dream that he had to sacrifice his son Isma’il

  • Isma’il was ready to give his life

  • God called out to Ibrahim as he was about to sacrifice Isma’il and praised them both for their faithfulness

  • In this test of faith, Ibrahim and Isma’il showed obedience and devotion to God

  • This story is told in the Qur’an (Surah 37:83-111)

• ‘Il al-Adha celebrates this level of total submission (Islam) and trust in Allah’s plan

The importance of sacrifice in the life of Muslims

• During ʿId al-Adha, there is an animal sacrifice (Qurbani) 

  • This is an act of worship that honours the obedience of the Prophet Ibrahim

  • It symbolises a Muslim’s willingness to submit to Allah, just as Ibrahim was prepared to give up what he loved most

  • The act is not just about the animal; it also reflects a spiritual offering. Muslims are encouraged to give up pride, selfishness and materialism in their own lives

• The meat is divided into three parts (for family, friends and the poor), which reflects the values of sharing and compassion that are central to the festival

• Qurbani reminds Muslims that true faith involves sacrificing possessions and even personal desires in service to Allah

• Even Muslims who cannot afford to sacrifice are reminded of the meaning behind the ritual: devotion, humility and care for others