Reporting on Eid al-Adha Around the World: A Celebration of Faith, Family, and Sacrifice

By Fariba Pajooh

Each year, millions of Muslims across the globe come together to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice—one of the most sacred holidays in Islam. Rooted in the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command, Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, and embodies themes of devotion, community, and compassion.

Despite regional variations, the spirit of the holiday is universal: a time to pray, reflect, gather with loved ones, and share blessings with those in need. The celebration spans several days and is observed by more than a billion Muslims, from bustling urban centers to remote rural villages, each putting its own cultural stamp on the observance.

A Sacred Morning

The day typically begins with special Eid prayers held at mosques or in large open areas. Worshippers wear their finest clothes, often new or specially prepared outfits, to mark the occasion. In many communities, these gatherings draw thousands of attendees, creating a sea of colorful attire, shared greetings of “Eid Mubarak!” and a profound sense of unity.

After prayers, the ritual sacrifice takes place. Muslims who can afford to do so will sacrifice an animal—usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel—in remembrance of Ibrahim’s devotion. The meat is divided into three portions: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for those in need. In countries where animal sacrifice is not permitted, Muslims often donate to certified organizations that arrange the sacrifice in other regions.

Bangladesh: A Holiday of Sacrifice and Homecoming

Assistant Professor of Journalism at Chadron State College in Nebraska, Dr. Khadimul Islam, says in an interview: “Eid al-Adha is one of the biggest festivals in Bangladesh. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.” 

Dr. Islam, who hails from the South Asian nation, explains that the festival typically includes an extended public holiday—ten days this year. During this time, many people leave major cities and return to their ancestral villages to celebrate with family. “As a result,” Dr. Islam notes, “the usually bustling cities appear almost deserted.”

One of the central rituals, the animal sacrifice, carries deep religious and cultural meaning. “Each year, more than 10.4 million animals—including cows, goats, and buffaloes—are sacrificed across the country,” he explains. Though Islamic tradition permits the ritual over three days, he notes that “over 95 percent of people in Bangladesh choose to carry it out on the first day.”

Nigeria: Community, Cooking, and Celebration

In Nigeria, Eid festivities are vibrant and communal. The sacrificial meat is used in beloved dishes like Suya (spicy meat skewers) and Jollof Rice. Families host open houses where neighbors and friends gather to eat, talk, and celebrate. Traditional clothing, such as Agbada and Gele, adds to the color and joy.

“Eid is fun and very elaborate in my country,” says Zaynab Yusuf, a Nigerian doctoral student at Wayne State University. “We usually travel home a day or two before the celebration. On Eid day, we go to the mosque for prayers, then return to perform the sacrifice—usually a ram or cow. After that, the food is prepared and shared with friends and neighbors.”

She emphasizes the importance of sharing food. “Even people who are not Muslim look forward to it,” she says. “It brings the whole community together.” Some families also throw festive gatherings to welcome all into the celebration.

Iran: A Fusion of Faith and Persian Hospitality

While certain cultural practices vary by region, Eid al-Adha is observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims in Iran. In a country also known for ancient Persian festivals, Eid al-Adha (Eyd-e Ghorbān) remains a significant religious occasion. Families prepare festive meals using fresh sacrificial meat, often featuring traditional Persian dishes such as Kabab, Abgoosht (a hearty meat stew), and Ghormeh Sabzi. The day is marked by visits to relatives, warm greetings, and sharing meals with neighbors, reinforcing a strong sense of community and generosity.

United States: Faith, Diversity, and Service

In the United States, where Muslims represent a diverse and growing minority, Eid al-Adha blends tradition with cultural adaptation. Families from diverse backgrounds gather in mosques, community centers, and homes, bringing dishes from across the Muslim world. The holiday also serves as a moment for interfaith outreach, charity drives, and communal reflection.

At the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi highlights the holiday’s dual significance.

“Eid al-Adha is a day of both prayer—a connection with God—and sacrifice, a connection with people,” he says. “The Quran always mentions Salat and Zakat together. It’s an act of charity and an opportunity for generosity.”

The center invites congregants to contribute to the Qurbani (sacrifice), which typically costs around $300 per sheep. Some individuals cover the full amount, while others donate $50 or $100 as part of a shared offering. The mosque works with a local slaughterhouse to perform the sacrifices, processes the meat into portions, and invites families in need, particularly large households facing hardship, to pick it up.

A Shared Humanity

Eid al-Adha continues to serve as a powerful reminder of faith, compassion, and the importance of helping others. Whether it’s the aroma of grilled lamb in a rural village, the bustle of prayers in a city square, or the quiet charity in a suburban mosque, the essence of the holiday is the same.

It is a celebration not only of devotion to God but also of our shared responsibility to one another.

Read more on Aid al-Adha and the Haj pilgrimage: Eid al-Adha 2025: When is it and everything else you need to know, Factsheet: Eid-ul-Adha, What is the Muslim Haj pilgrimage?

Fariba Pajooh is a journalist and Ph.D. candidate in Communication at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.