How Eid al-Adha Began

The Story

Every year, on the same day, in every country in the world, families give the same gift. They call it qurbani — meat shared with family, with neighbours, and with people they have never met. It began with one father and one son — and a story Muslims have told ever since.

Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ had spent his whole life teaching people about Allah. And in a hot desert valley, he and his beloved son Ismail ﷺ had built the very first house of worship — the Kaʿbah in Makkah.

One night Ibrahim had a dream. In it, Allah asked him to sacrifice Ismail — the son he had waited his whole life for. Ibrahim knew it was real. He told Ismail everything. And Ismail did not hesitate. He told his father he was ready. They would do this together.

They walked together to a place outside Makkah. Father and son, both ready, both trusting completely. And at the very last moment, Allah sent a ram in Ismail's place. Allah had never wanted Ismail. He had wanted Ibrahim's trust. And Ibrahim had given it completely.

Today, that place sits in a valley called Mina, and every year millions of pilgrims walk through it during Hajj. Many Muslim families give qurbani — some meat for family, some for neighbours, some for the poor. The animal is not the point. The heart that gives it is.

This is Eid al-Adha — the festival of sacrifice. Today, Muslim families everywhere remember Ibrahim and Ismail. Many give qurbani too. And they all say the same thing — Allah, You gave us this. Today, we give it back to You. 🐑

Dua of the Week: The Dua of Qurbani

بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُمَّ مِنْكَ وَلَكَ

Bismillah, Allahu Akbar, Allahumma minka wa laka

"In the name of Allah. Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, this is from You and for You."

This is the dua Muslims say when giving qurbani on Eid al-Adha. Minka wa laka — 'from You, and for You.' Everything we have came from Allah. Today, we give a little of it back.

Quran Verse: Surah Al-Hajj 22:37

لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ

"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah — it is your piety that reaches Him."

Family Discussion

Eid al-Adha is the festival of sacrifice. A sacrifice doesn't have to be big to count. What is one small sacrifice you could make this week — sharing your favourite snack, giving up your turn, letting your sibling go first?

Good Deed Challenge

This Eid, run to someone you love, yell 'EID MUBARAK!' as loud as you can, and give them the biggest hug. That joy you feel? That's a gift from Allah — and you just gave it back to your family.

Sources: Sahih Muslim 1967