How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated in the UK?

Eid al-Adha is a joyous festival for Muslims. The event is observed each year on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, at the conclusion of Hajj. Eid al-Adha is considered one of the most sacred times in the Islamic calendar. That's why Muslims living in the UK also look forward to the event every year and observe it with enthusiasm and religious fervor. Eid al-Adha is marked by the ritual of animal sacrifice to commemorate the faith and obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismael (AS). Performing Qurbani is obligatory under Hanafi law, and millions of Muslims observe this ritual. Qurbani is also a Sunnah, which is encouraged by all schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and missing Qurbani despite having the means to do so is considered Makruh (despised) by many.

Muslims living in the UK can either perform Qurbani at one of the officially recognized abattoirs or can give their online Qurbani donations to a Shariah-compliant organization like Transparent Hands, which performs Qurbani on their behalf.

Do Muslims in the UK Celebrate Eid al-Adha Differently?

In spirit, Muslims observe Eid al-Adha in the same manner, no matter where they live. The focus is generally on performing Qurbani with a sincere intention of pleasing Allah (SWT). The Quran tells us:

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.” (Surat Al-Ĥaj, 22:37)

Therefore, Muslims in the UK follow the same rituals of Eid prayers, Qurbani, meeting family and friends, and celebrating the day with the recommended spirit of modesty. However, Eid al-Adha is not a public holiday in the UK. Despite that, many Muslims take the day off to enjoy the Eid festivities. Universities and workplaces are usually accommodating and understanding in this regard. There is another important difference: the law in the UK doesn't permit performing Qurbani in the house or backyard, which is common practice in many Islamic countries like Pakistan. Therefore, UK Muslims have to either use licensed halal abattoirs or donate to registered charities like Transparent Hands. The latter option is much more practical, as it allows Qurbani to be performed according to Shariah rulings and gifts all portions of meat to people who have limited or no access to nutritious meals.

How Should Qurbani Meat be Distributed?

Traditionally, Qurbani meat is distributed in three equal portions: one is reserved for self-consumption, another for friends and neighbors, and the third for deserving individuals and families. However, it is permissible to give all three portions of the meat to deserving people. Eid al-Adha is the day of Sacrifice and giving. By gifting all three portions of Qurbani, Muslims can fully benefit from the spiritual benefits of the great day of Eid al-Adha. The purpose of Qurbani is to please Allah (SWT). While the act alone can guarantee many blessings, going an extra mile by donating your own portion makes the Qurbani a truly selfless act and a sunnah, according to the following Hadith:

“ ‘Ali bin Abu Talib narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded him to distribute the entire sacrificial camel – its meat, skin and covers – among the poor.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3157)

How Muslims in the UK Celebrate Eid

Muslims living in the UK represent diverse cultural traditions and backgrounds. There are more than three million Muslims living in the UK. Mosques across the UK, including London, Bradford, and Birmingham, are filled with believers, usually dressed in their cultural attire. Venues like the East London Mosque and Birmingham Central Mosque can easily accommodate thousands of believers on Eid Days, each bringing their own flavor to the grand occasion. After the Eid prayers, families usually greet each other with the traditional ‘Eid Mubarak’ greetings. Meeting friends and family is also an important Eid custom. Families cook traditional dishes like biryani, kebabs, sheer khurma, lamb ouzi, kazu tandir, and baklava to entertain guests and neighbors. Thus, for many Muslims living in the UK, Eid offers a great opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots and with their friends and families. However, it is also a great day to be thankful for the blessings Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon believers, and to celebrate good health and fortune with those in need.

Preparing for Eid al-Adha: A Checklist for UK Muslims

Making arrangements for Eid al-Adha is important. The following is a checklist that will help you prepare better for this blessed day:

Confirm the Eid prayers time with the local mosque and prepare accordingly. Always try to wear new or clean clothes, as it is the Sunnah to dress well on Eid days.

Booking Qurbani in advance is important, whether you are arranging your sacrifice through a licensed abattoir or donating your Qurbani amount to an organization. Make sure that the abattoir you choose is licensed and complies with the law of the UK. If you are donating your qurbani to an organization, make sure that it is Shariah-compliant and maintains health standards. You can book Shariah-compliant Qurbani donations through Transparent Hands.

Plan Gatherings & Meetups before Eid. The day is all about rejoicing and enjoying the company of loved ones.

Remembering Allah (SWT) is a constant duty for believers. While enjoying your Eid, don't forget your devotion to Allah (SWT), and increase your worship and Dhikr for this great day.

Donate Your Qurbani to Transparent Hands

Transparent Hands is an online crowdfunding platform that has been providing medical assistance to thousands of deserving Pakistani patients. Our Maternal and Child program has saved many lives. We also support a number of surgeries for needy individuals. Another hallmark of ours is organizing medical camps in low-income areas, where we provide free medical checkups, diagnostics, and medicines for deserving people.

We also have a very efficient and Shariah-compliant Qurbani program. Our team dedicatedly performs Qurbani on behalf of our donors in the best available slaughterhouses, following the best health standards. We distribute Qurbani meat packages among the most deserving segments of society, including orphans, widows, laborers, old people living in nursing homes, people with disabilities, madrassa students, transgender community, and families living in slums.

Many of these people look forward to Eid day because it provides them with a rare opportunity to consume meat. With your support, we can significantly increase the number of beneficiaries. Donate to Transparent Hands and make this Eid day special for everyone.

FAQs

Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in the UK?

No, Eid al-Adha is not a public holiday in the UK.

Can Muslims in the UK legally allowed to perform Qurbani at home?

No, it isn’t allowed to perform Qurbani at home under UK Law due to animal rights and other concerns. However, you can conduct qurbani in licensed slaughterhouses.

How do Muslims in the UK make arrangements for Qurbani sacrifice?

They can give their online Qurbani donations to Shariah-compliant organizations that arrange Qurbani on their behalf, or conduct Qurbani in licensed abattoirs in the UK.

What arrangements should UK Muslims make for Eid al-Adha 2026?

They should start arranging for Qurbani and start preparing for Eid day. It is also a good time to plan a family and friends get-together and to decide on your Eid outfits.

Is wearing new clothes on Eid al-Adha important in Islam?

It is a Sunnah to wear clean or new clothes on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Also, wear a good perfume, as that is also a Sunnah.

How much does an online Qurbani donation cost?

Prices vary by country and animal type. A single share typically ranges from £25–£60 in high-need countries. Cow shares may be more affordable; full cows or camels cost more.

Where does my Qurbani donation go?

Your online Qurbani donations goes directly to the slums and lower classes of Pakistan.