Noor Thalassemia Foundation

Every year, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Adha from across the world. This is one of the major Islamic festivals and is also known as “Big Eid in Pakistan”. This important Islamic festival teaches us about sacrifice and taking care of the poor.

This guide is a detailed account of what Eid al-Adha is. We will also learn the basic concepts regarding who is eligible to perform Qurbani, how to distribute Qurbani meat, and other key rituals. So, let’s begin understanding the importance of Eid ul-Adha here:

What is Eid ul-Adha?

Eid ul-Adha is one of the major Islamic events celebrated by Muslims across the world. On this special event, Muslims are involved in many festivities. For example, they offer Eid prayer, perform Qurbani, distribute Qurbani meat, and offer Sadaqah and charity to those in need. Muslims also narrate Eid ul-Adha Takbeerat throughout the festival to praise Allah.

The festival lasts for three days, starting with the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and ending with the sunset of the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. At this big event, Muslims perform Qurbani of animals; usually, they slaughter cows and lambs. The lamb is considered one whole Qurbani; however, the cow is divided into 7 parts for Qurbani.

When is Eid ul-Adha 2026 in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, Eid ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah - the last month of the Islamic calendar. However, the final date is decided based on the Eid ul-Adha moon sighting in Pakistan. In Pakistan, a dedicated organization, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, takes the responsibility to see the moon for all the major events. It is expected that the Committee will arrange a meeting on the 16th or 17th of May, 2026, and Eid ul-Adha in Pakistan will be celebrated on the 26th or 27th of May, 2026. Once the moon is sighted, the Committee will announce the final dates for the Eid festival.

Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid ul-Adha?

Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Adha to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Once Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) saw a dream in which Allah (SWT) instructed him to sacrifice his most loved thing, his son - Hazrat Ismail (AS). Both father and son agreed to obey the order of Allah without any hesitation. Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) went to Mount Arafat with Hazrat Ismail (AS).

Before slaughtering his son, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) tied Hazrat Ismail (AS) to prevent him from struggling. After this, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) blindfolded himself to prevent seeing the sufferings of his son.

When Ibrahim (AS) completed Allah’s order and removed the blindfold, he found Ismail (AS) standing alive and well in front of him, and a slaughtered ram lying in the place of Hazrat Ismail (AS). As both Father and Son offered themselves to Allah without any doubts, Allah took pity on them and saved Ismail’s life.

So, performing Qurbani on Eid ul-Adha is considered a Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Muslims perform Qurbani not only to commemorate the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) but also to seek forgiveness and the gratification of Allah.

Eid ul-Adha 2026 Holidays in Pakistan?

To celebrate the Eid festival with joy and gratitude, the Government of Pakistan announces Eid holidays before the festival starts. Usually, the government announces a three-day vacation plan and sometimes adds some substitute days. For 2026, Eid ul Adha vacations in Pakistan will be finalized once the moon is sighted. The government will announce the holiday plan through an official notification.

Qurbani on Eid ul-Adha

The Eid ul Adha event is not said to be completed without the obligatory activity of performing Qurbani. It is not compulsory to perform Qurbani by every Muslim, but only those who meet the basic criteria or Nisab set by Islam. Here is everything you need to know about Qurbani rules and regulations:

Who Needs to Perform Qurbani

Muslims under the following conditions can perform Qurbani on Eid ul-Adha 2026:

1. Muslims who are adults and sane are eligible to perform Qurbani on Eid ul-Adha.
2. Muslims who want to perform Qurbani must not be involved in travelling activities during the Eid days, from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
3. Muslims who own wealth equal to or above the Nisab are required to perform Qurbani. The Qurbani Nisab is similar to the Zakat Nisab, which is 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.

The Rule to Distribute Qurbani Meat

As Muslims perform Qurbani under certain Eid ul Adha Qurbani rules, similarly, there are specific conditions to distribute Qurbani meat. It is advised to divide the Qurbani meat into three equal parts and distribute it into the following categories:

1. Qurbani Meat for Own Self: One part of the Qurbani meat is allowed to be kept for your own self and your family.
2. Qurbani Meat for Relatives: The second part of the Qurbani meat must be distributed among your relatives. Ensure you distribute it among close relatives who are poor and deserving.
3. Qurbani Meat for the Poor: The third part of the Qurbani meat must be distributed among the poor. Ensure you distribute it among the poor in your society or surroundings.

Key Rituals of Eid ul-Adha in Pakistan

Below are the common key rituals Muslims perform on Eid ul-Adha to celebrate it with complete devotion and joy:

1. Eid ul-Adha Prayer: Muslims start the celebration by offering the Eid prayer. They gather in the Masajid to perform Namaz and also offer special Eid ul Adha dua to show gratitude and love to Allah.
2. Eid ul-Adha Tabeerate: This is another great ritual that Muslims narrate Eid ul Adha Takbeer throughout the festival. The Takbeer is translated as, “Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no God but Allah. And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise”. So, narrating the Takbeerat is a way to praise Allah on this special occasion.
3. Send Eid Wishes: Muslims send Eid ul Adha Mubarak wishes to their loved ones to show their love and care.
4. Perform Qurbani: After praying, Muslims perform Qurbani. In Pakistan, Muslims perform Qurbani usually by slaughtering cows and lambs.
5. Distribute Meat: After performing Qurbani, Muslims distribute Qurbani meat.
6. Eid Parties: Throughout the Eid festival, special Eid parties are arranged for family members, friends, and relatives, adding to the value of the festival.
7. Give Sadaqah and Charity: Muslims also give Sadaqah and charity on this Big event to not only take care of their family but also to take care of those in need. Remember that your charity can buy happiness for someone’s family and allow them to celebrate Eid with great joy and satisfaction.

Give Donations to NTF on This Eid ul-Adha!

On this Eid, do not forget those who are looking for your support. At Noor Thalassemia Foundation (NTF), we use your donations to arrange regular blood supply and medications for the patients suffering from Thalassemia, Hemophilia, and other blood disorders. Donate your money to NTF and bring hope to the poor patients who cannot afford their treatment expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Eid ul Adha in Pakistan in 2026?

Eid ul Adha 2026 will be celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah in Pakistan. The final date will be announced once the moon is sighted. However, it is expected that the Eid will be celebrated on the 26th or 27th May, 2026.

Who is subject to perform Qurbani?

Every adult Muslim who is sane, not travelling during the Eid days, and meets the Qurbani Nisab can perform Qurbani. The Qurbani Nisab is similar to the Nisab for Zakat (87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver).

In what categories is the Qurbani meat divided?

Qurbani meat is divided equally into three categories: for yourself, for relatives, and for the poor.

What is the best time to perform Qurbani?

You can start performing Qurbani from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah after the Eid prayer. However, perform Qurbani before the sunset of the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.