The Most Important Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha Every Muslim Should Know
Eid Al Adha is not simply a day of celebration — it is a day of profound worship, sacrifice, and connection to the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Knowing and reviving the authentic Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha transforms this blessed occasion from a cultural event into a deeply spiritual experience that earns immense reward from Allah (SWT). For English-speaking Muslims across the UK, USA, Europe, and Australia — particularly reverts and families raising children upon the Sunnah — understanding every Eid Al Adha Sunnah is essential. Many of these practices are neglected or unknown, yet each one carries the weight of Prophetic tradition and the promise of divine reward.
This comprehensive guide covers every authenticated Sunnah of Eid Al Adha — from the days of Dhul Hijjah leading up to it, to the morning rituals, the prayer, the Takbeer, and the Udhiyah (sacrifice). Every ruling cited below is grounded in authentic Hadith and the consensus of classical scholars. Whether this is your first Eid Al Adha or your fiftieth, there is always a Sunnah of Eid Al Adha to revive, deepen, and transmit to the next generation.
This concise, powerful verse encapsulates the essence of Eid Al Adha: prayer and sacrifice — both directed solely to Allah (SWT). The Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha we will explore are the practical manifestations of this divine command, taught to us by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself through rigorously authenticated narrations.
📑 Table of Contents
- The First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah
- The Takbeer of Eid Al Adha — A Forgotten Sunnah
- Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha on the Morning of Eid
- The Eid Al Adha Prayer — Its Sunnahs and Rulings
- The Udhiyah (Sacrifice) — The Central Sunnah of Eid Al Adha
- The Days of Tashreeq — Extending the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha
- Teaching Your Children the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha
- Frequently Asked Questions
Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha: The First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah
The Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha do not begin on the day of Eid itself — they begin with the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, which the Prophet (PBUH) described as the most beloved days to Allah for righteous deeds. Every act of worship in these ten days is magnified, making them the single greatest window of reward available to a Muslim who is not performing Hajj. Reviving the Eid Al Adha Sunnahs of this opening period is the foundation upon which the entire celebration is built.
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything.”
Fasting the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah — the day before Eid Al Adha — is one of the most powerful Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha season. The Prophet (PBUH) specified its reward with remarkable precision:
“Fasting the Day of Arafah, I hope from Allah that it will expiate the sins of the year before it and the year after it.”
This fast is specifically for those who are NOT performing Hajj that year. The pilgrim at Arafah does not fast, as the Prophet (PBUH) did not fast on this day during his Hajj. For everyone else, it is a highly emphasised Sunnah of Eid Al Adha season carrying two years’ worth of expiation. For the full fiqh of fasting — including niyyah, exemptions, and qada — read our Complete Beginner’s Guide to Ramadan Fiqh and the Fiqh of Fasting.
Not Cutting Hair or Nails (For the One Offering Sacrifice)
A frequently neglected Eid Al Adha Sunnah: the person intending to offer the Udhiyah (sacrifice) should refrain from cutting their hair and nails from the first day of Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice is completed.
“When you see the new moon of Dhul Hijjah, and one of you desires to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain from [cutting] his hair and nails.”
Scholars explain this practice as a symbolic parallel to the pilgrim in Ihram — the one sacrificing at home shares, in a small way, in the state of the Hajj pilgrim who also refrains from cutting hair and nails until the sacrifice is made. This is one of the most beautiful of the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha precisely because it connects the home believer to the Hajj pilgrim across the distance.
The Takbeer of Eid Al Adha — A Forgotten Sunnah
Among the most distinctive and most neglected Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha is the Takbeer — declaring the greatness of Allah aloud from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah through the 13th (the days of Tashreeq). The Takbeer of Eid Al Adha is longer in duration than that of Eid Al Fitr, spanning nearly two full weeks. This extended declaration is itself a defining characteristic of Eid Al Adha and one of its most public Sunnahs.
There are two types of Takbeer during this period:
- Unrestricted Takbeer (At-Takbeer Al-Mutlaq) — said at any time from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until the end of the 13th: in the markets, at home, walking in the streets, and in the mosques.
- Restricted Takbeer (At-Takbeer Al-Muqayyad) — said specifically after every obligatory prayer, beginning from Fajr on the Day of Arafah (9th) until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
The widely practised wording of this Sunnah of Eid Al Adha is:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
(Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illAllah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd)
In Muslim-majority countries, the Takbeer fills the air during these days. In Western countries — the UK, USA, Europe, and Australia — many Muslims are unaware of this practice or feel shy to say it aloud. Teach your children the Takbeer, say it in your homes, and recite it on your way to the Eid prayer. Even saying it quietly to yourself in public fully fulfils this Eid Al Adha Sunnah. It is one of the most accessible ways to honour these blessed days regardless of where you live.
Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha on the Morning of Eid
The morning of Eid Al Adha carries its own set of specific Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha — each one carefully practised by the Prophet (PBUH) and transmitted to us through authentic narration. These morning practices set the tone for a day of complete and conscious worship.
Performing Ghusl (Ritual Bath) Before the Prayer
It is reported that the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) would perform Ghusl on the morning of Eid before going to the prayer. Ibn Umar (RA) was known to do this consistently. While scholars differ on whether it is obligatory or recommended, there is consensus that it is at minimum a strongly encouraged Sunnah of Eid Al Adha — an act of purification and beautification for this blessed gathering.
Wearing Your Best Clothes
The Prophet (PBUH) had a special garment he would wear for Eid and Jumu’ah prayers. Ibn Umar (RA) reported that he would wear his finest clothes on the two Eids. This Eid Al Adha Sunnah applies to men, women, and children alike — it is a day of honouring Allah’s rites, and dressing well is a form of gratitude and celebration within the bounds of Islamic modesty.
Not Eating Before the Eid Al Adha Prayer
This is a key distinction between the two Eids — and one of the most important Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha to know. On Eid Al Fitr, the Sunnah is to eat (dates) before the prayer. On Eid Al Adha, the Sunnah is to delay eating until after the prayer — so that the first thing you eat is from your Udhiyah (sacrifice).
“The Prophet (PBUH) would not eat on the day of [Eid] Al Adha until he returned from the prayer, and then he would eat from his sacrifice.”
Walking to the Eid Prayer
The Prophet (PBUH) would walk to the Eid prayer ground (Musalla) and would take one route going and return by a different route. Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) said: “It is from the Sunnah to go to the Eid prayer walking.” This Sunnah of Eid Al Adha applies when reasonably possible — those with genuine difficulty or great distance are exempt. Learning the Islamic foundations behind these practices deepens the meaning of every step.
Taking a Different Route on Return
Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA) narrated: “On the day of Eid, the Prophet (PBUH) used to return by a different route from the one he had taken” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, No. 986). Scholars have mentioned several wisdoms: so both paths bear witness for you on the Day of Judgement, to spread the Salam and greetings to more people, and to display the symbols of Islam in multiple areas. This is a Sunnah of Eid Al Adha that every family walking to the prayer can easily revive.
The Eid Al Adha Prayer — Its Sunnahs and Rulings
The Eid prayer is a communal act of worship that the Prophet (PBUH) never abandoned — and it is among the most visible of the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha. Even the women, children, and menstruating women were commanded to attend (though the latter would not pray, they would witness the gathering and the Dua of the Muslims). This communal dimension is part of what makes the Eid Al Adha Sunnah of the prayer so significant for Muslim communities in the West.
The Additional Takbeerat in the Prayer
The Eid prayer has additional Takbeerat (declarations of “Allahu Akbar”) beyond the normal prayer — one of the most distinctive Eid Al Adha Sunnahs in terms of prayer structure. The majority of scholars hold that there are seven Takbeerat in the first Rak’ah (before the recitation) and five in the second Rak’ah (before the recitation), based on the narration of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (RA) recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud (No. 1151).
Listening to the Khutbah
Unlike Jumu’ah, the Eid Khutbah comes after the prayer. Attending the Khutbah is Sunnah (not obligatory), but it is strongly encouraged as part of the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha. The Prophet (PBUH) would deliver a sermon addressing matters relevant to the day — including the rulings of the Udhiyah, the days of Tashreeq, and reminders about gratitude and Taqwa. Staying for the Khutbah connects you to this complete Prophetic tradition and deepens your understanding of the day’s spiritual purpose.
If this is your first Eid Al Adha as a Muslim, do not feel overwhelmed. The Eid prayer is short (two Rak’ahs), joyful, and welcoming. Bring your children — the Prophet (PBUH) would shorten the prayer if he heard a child crying. Arrive early, say the Takbeer with the congregation, and absorb the blessed atmosphere. Explore our approach to teaching reverts and new Muslim families to learn how we support your journey from the very beginning.
The Udhiyah (Sacrifice) — The Central Sunnah of Eid Al Adha
The Udhiyah (also called Qurbani in Urdu/South Asian communities) is the defining Sunnah of Eid Al Adha — the act that gives this blessed day its very name. It commemorates the supreme act of obedience by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Isma’il (AS) — and Allah, in His infinite mercy, ransomed Isma’il with a great ram. No Eid Al Adha Sunnah carries more theological weight or demands more conscious preparation than the Udhiyah.
Who Should Offer the Sacrifice?
The Udhiyah is an emphasised Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) for every Muslim household that can afford it — this is the position of the majority of scholars, and the basis of this Eid Al Adha Sunnah. Imam Abu Hanifah (RA) considered it obligatory (Wajib) for those who possess the Nisab. One sacrifice suffices for a household (the man, his wife, and their dependents). Understanding your school’s position on this Sunnah of Eid Al Adha is an important step — consult a qualified local scholar if you are uncertain.
Timing of the Sacrifice
The sacrifice must be performed after the Eid prayer. Any animal slaughtered before the prayer is not considered a valid Udhiyah — it is merely regular meat. This timing ruling is among the most critical of the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha to know before the day arrives. The time extends through the three days of Tashreeq (10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah according to the strongest scholarly opinion).
“Whoever slaughters [his sacrifice] before the prayer, it is only meat that he has offered to his family, and it is not a sacrifice at all.”
The Sunnah of Dividing the Meat
The recommended division of the Udhiyah meat, based on the guidance of the scholars in Eid Al Adha Sunnah literature, is into three portions:
- One third for your household — to eat and enjoy on the day of Eid and beyond; this fulfils the Sunnah of Eid Al Adha of eating from your own sacrifice
- One third as gifts — to distribute to relatives, friends, and neighbours (including non-Muslim neighbours)
- One third as charity — to give to the poor and those in need
If slaughtering locally is not feasible, it is permissible to arrange your Udhiyah through a trusted organisation that slaughters on your behalf in a Muslim-majority country. However, if you can slaughter locally (or attend the slaughter), this is preferred — it connects you and your children to the spirit and meaning of the Sunnah of Eid Al Adha directly and viscerally in a way that delegation cannot fully replace.
The Days of Tashreeq — Extending the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is not a single day of celebration — the days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah) are an extension of the Eid, and they carry their own Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha and rulings. Muslims in the UK, USA, Europe, and Australia often overlook this extended celebration, reducing Eid to a single morning. Reviving the Eid Al Adha Sunnahs of Tashreeq restores the full Prophetic celebration.
The “numbered days” in this verse refer to the days of Tashreeq. The Prophet (PBUH) said about them:
“The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah.”
Key Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha during the days of Tashreeq include:
- Continuing the Takbeer after every obligatory prayer — until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah; this is among the most sustained Eid Al Adha Sunnahs in the entire Islamic calendar
- Eating, drinking, and celebrating — it is prohibited to fast during these days
- Abundant Dhikr and remembrance of Allah — as commanded in the Quranic verse above
- Maintaining ties of kinship — visiting relatives, sharing food, and spreading joy
- Continuing to distribute Udhiyah meat — the sacrifice can still be offered during these days according to the strongest scholarly opinion
For a deeper understanding of the spiritual framework that connects fasting, sacrifice, and remembrance across the Islamic calendar, read our guide on The Fiqh of Fasting in Islam: A Complete Guide.
Teaching Your Children the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha
For Muslim parents in the West, Eid Al Adha is one of the most powerful opportunities to instil Islamic identity and love for worship in your children. The Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha are tangible, memorable, and deeply meaningful for young hearts — the Takbeer they learn today will be with them for life.
- Teach them the Takbeer early. In the days leading up to Eid, recite the Takbeer at home — in the car, after prayers, before bedtime. Children love repetition and melody, and the Takbeer — one of the most beautiful Eid Al Adha Sunnahs — is both.
- Involve them in the Eid morning preparation. Let them choose their best clothes, help prepare the house, and feel the excitement of a special day — just as you would for any major celebration. This fulfils the Sunnah of Eid Al Adha of dressing one’s best while building joyful Islamic memory.
- Take them to the Eid prayer. Even toddlers. The Prophet (PBUH) commanded that even young girls and menstruating women attend the Eid gathering. It builds community belonging and spiritual memory that outlasts childhood.
- Explain the story of Ibrahim (AS) at their level. The sacrifice of Eid Al Adha is one of the greatest stories of faith in human history. Children are moved by stories — tell it with love and conviction. The entire framework of Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha begins to make emotional sense when grounded in this story.
- Let them witness or participate in the sacrifice. Age-appropriately, allow children to understand where the meat comes from and why. This builds gratitude, courage, and a living connection to the Eid Al Adha Sunnah of Udhiyah.
When children experience Eid Al Adha as a day of genuine excitement, spiritual depth, and community joy — equal to or greater than any secular holiday — their attachment to Islam grows naturally. Invest in making Eid special: gifts, gatherings, new clothes, and most importantly, shared worship built on the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha. Structured Islamic education supports this — explore our Quran and Islamic Studies courses for children and adults designed for Muslim families in the West.
For a broader picture of how to nurture Islamic identity and spiritual depth in the home across the Muslim year, read our guide on Ramadan: A Spiritual Oasis for Positive Change.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha
What are the most important Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha?
The most important Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha fall into several categories: (1) Preparatory Sunnahs — fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) and refraining from cutting hair and nails if you are offering a sacrifice; (2) Morning Sunnahs — performing Ghusl, wearing your best clothes, not eating before the prayer, and walking to the prayer ground; (3) Prayer Sunnahs — attending the Eid prayer with the full congregation and listening to the Khutbah; (4) The Udhiyah — offering the sacrifice after the prayer and distributing the meat in three portions; (5) Tashreeq Sunnahs — continuing the Takbeer, eating, drinking, and abundant dhikr through the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Each of these Eid Al Adha Sunnahs is backed by authenticated Prophetic narrations.
Should you eat before the Eid Al Adha prayer?
No — this is one of the most important and frequently confused Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha. On Eid Al Fitr, the Sunnah is to eat dates before the prayer. On Eid Al Adha, the Sunnah is the opposite: you delay eating until after the prayer, so that the first food you eat on the day of Eid is from your own Udhiyah (sacrifice). This is established by an authenticated hadith narrated by Buraydah (RA) in Sunan At-Tirmidhi (No. 542). If you have not offered a sacrifice, you may eat after the prayer in general — but the full Eid Al Adha Sunnah is to specifically wait for the sacrifice meat.
When does the Takbeer of Eid Al Adha begin and end?
The Takbeer of Eid Al Adha has two forms with different timings: (1) The unrestricted Takbeer (At-Takbeer Al-Mutlaq) begins from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah and continues until the end of the 13th — said at any time of day or night; (2) The restricted Takbeer (At-Takbeer Al-Muqayyad) begins from Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah) and is said after every obligatory prayer through Asr on the 13th. This makes the Sunnah of Eid Al Adha Takbeer the longest extended dhikr practice in the entire Islamic year — lasting up to thirteen days for those observing the unrestricted form.
Is the Udhiyah (Qurbani) obligatory or Sunnah?
This is a question of scholarly difference and one of the most discussed aspects of the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha. The majority of scholars (Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools) hold that the Udhiyah is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah — a highly emphasised Sunnah that a capable Muslim should not neglect without good reason. Imam Abu Hanifah (RA) and the Hanafi school hold it is Wajib (obligatory) for every financially capable Muslim who is not a traveller. In all schools, it is a central Eid Al Adha Sunnah that the Prophet (PBUH) performed consistently and encouraged the believers to maintain. Consult a qualified scholar for your specific madhab’s ruling.
Why can’t you cut your hair or nails before Eid Al Adha?
Refraining from cutting hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until after the Udhiyah is one of the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha specifically for the person who intends to offer a sacrifice. It is established by an authenticated hadith narrated by Umm Salamah (RA) in Sahih Muslim (No. 1977). The wisdom scholars give is that this practice parallels the state of the Hajj pilgrim in Ihram — the one sacrificing at home symbolically shares in the pilgrim’s state of consecration until the sacrifice is completed. Note: this does not apply to family members who are not the ones offering the sacrifice — only to the person making the Udhiyah in the household.
Can you fast on the day of Eid Al Adha?
No — fasting on the day of Eid Al Adha itself (10th Dhul Hijjah) is prohibited (haram) in Islam. The same prohibition applies to Eid Al Fitr (1st Shawwal) and the three days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, 13th Dhul Hijjah). The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited fasting on these days. The Sunnah of Eid Al Adha is the opposite: to eat from your sacrifice after the prayer and to celebrate and make dhikr throughout the days of Tashreeq. The fast to observe in connection with Eid Al Adha season is the voluntary fast on the Day of Arafah — the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Eid — which the Prophet (PBUH) described as expiating two years of sins.
Where can I learn more about Islamic practices and Sunnahs online?
At Daan Quranic Academy, our certified native Egyptian tutors offer private 1-on-1 live sessions covering Quran recitation, Tajweed, Arabic language, and Islamic Studies — giving you the tools to read, understand, and apply the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha and all Islamic practices directly from their Arabic primary sources. Sessions are available for children and adults from the UK, USA, Europe, and Australia. Book a free trial class with no commitment, and view our flexible pricing plans from $9/hr.
Prepare Your Family for Eid with Authentic Islamic Knowledge
Understanding the Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha begins with understanding the Quran, the Arabic language, and the Prophetic tradition directly. At Daan Quranic Academy, our certified native Egyptian tutors teach your family to read, recite, and understand the sources of these beautiful Eid Al Adha Sunnahs — so every act of worship is grounded in knowledge, not just habit.
No commitment required. One free session to experience the Daan Academy difference.
Final Thoughts: Revive Every Sunnah of Eid Al Adha
The Sunnahs of Eid Al Adha are a complete spiritual programme — beginning with the blessed first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, peaking with the Day of Arafah and the sacrifice, and extending through the joyful days of Tashreeq. Each Sunnah of Eid Al Adha is an opportunity for reward, a connection to the Prophet (PBUH), and a revival of the legacy of Ibrahim (AS). Together they form an unbroken chain of worship that, when observed in full, transforms the entire ten-day period into one of the most spiritually productive seasons of the Muslim year.
Whether you are observing your first Eid Al Adha as a new Muslim, or your fiftieth as a lifelong practitioner, there is always a Sunnah of Eid Al Adha to revive, a practice to improve, and a deeper understanding to seek. The beauty of this religion is that even the simplest acts — saying the Takbeer, wearing your best clothes, eating from your sacrifice — become profound worship when performed with intention and knowledge grounded in authentic sources. Explore more guides on Islamic worship and practice on our Islamic education blog.
May Allah (SWT) accept your sacrifices, your prayers, and your worship during these blessed days. May He unite your families in joy and faith, and grant you the reward of those who revive the Sunnah in times of neglect. Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum. Ameen.
