Observation of Id al-Adha (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Religious reasons for observing ‘Id al-Adha

Origins of ‘Id al-Adha

• The practice of observing ʿId al-Adha originates from the story of the time when the prophet Ibrahim’s faith was tested

• Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Isma'il. Just as he was about to obey, Allah provided a ram to sacrifice instead 

• This story is found in the Qur’an and is remembered by Muslims every year during the festival

Purpose of ‘Id al-Adha

• ‘Id al-Adha is the festival that marks the end of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah

  • It is the second of the two major Islamic festivals (after ʿId al-Fitr)

• It is a time for Muslims to:

  • Strengthen their relationship with Allah

  • Show obedience and submission

  • Renew their faith and trust in Allah’s plan

• It reminds Muslims of the importance of total devotion and reliance on Allah, just as Ibrahim demonstrated

Symbolism of ‘Id al-Adha

• The sacrifice of an animal (Qurbani) symbolises the believer’s willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of Allah

• The festival teaches Muslims that faith involves action and sacrifice, not just belief

• The distribution of meat represents care for others — especially the poor — and the importance of community and generosity within the Ummah

Social reasons for observing ‘Id al-Adha

• ‘Id al-Adha is a time of community bonding, as Muslims come together to pray and celebrate

• It gives believers who are not on pilgrimage a chance to show solidarity with those who are performing Hajj, especially on the Day of Arafat

• ‘Id al-Adha encourages Muslims to think about the needs of others, especially those less fortunate

  • It is an opportunity to show charity by sharing food and giving to the poor

• It is also a time to strengthen family bonds, with many visiting relatives and sharing meals

Different ways ‘Id al-Adha is observed

• Muslims on Hajj will observe ‘Id al-Adha with their fellow pilgrims at the end of the pilgrimage

• All Muslims remember the sacrifice that Ibrahim and Isma’il were willing to make to God 

• They mark this with the sacrifice of an animal, such as a sheep 

  • This sacrifice is known as Qurbani 

• The meat produced is divided into three:

  • One-third for the family

  • One-third for relatives and neighbours

  • One-third for the poor

• In the UK: 

  • Muslims often arrange for this to be done using halal methods of preparing the meat 

  • There are organised schemes to enable Muslims to contribute to charities that organise the process

• Muslims go to the mosque for special prayers and a sermon. They also:

  • Wear new clothes and exchange cards and presents

  • Share a meal with family or friends and spend time with their loved ones

  • Use the greeting ‘Id Mubarak, which means “Have a blessed ‘Id”

• This is an important celebration for bringing families and the Muslim community together

• People may visit the graves of loved ones at this time

• Each individual believer remembers the sacrifice Ibrahim was willing to make and tries to show a similar level of devotion to God in their own lives

• They also remember and are grateful for God’s mercy