The Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha: Simple Practices Many People Forget

The Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha: Simple Practices Many People Forget

Eid al-Adha is one of the two major Eids in Islam and is closely connected to Hajj, Qurbani, sacrifice, and remembrance of Allah. It is not only a day of celebration. It is also a day of worship, gratitude, and following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

Allah says regarding sacrifice:

“Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to, and give good news to the good-doers.”
(Qur’an 22:37)

This verse captures the spirit of Eid al-Adha. The goal is not simply the outward act of sacrifice, but sincerity, remembrance, and obedience to Allah.

Alongside Qurbani, there are several Sunnahs connected to Eid day itself. Many are simple and easy to practice, yet often forgotten.

1. Preparing for Eid Before the Prayer

Preparation for Eid begins before leaving for the prayer. Scholars commonly mention making ghusl, wearing one’s best clothes, using fragrance, and preparing oneself properly for the gathering of Eid.

Much of this comes through the practice of the companions and the general etiquette of attending major acts of worship. The purpose is to approach Eid with cleanliness, dignity, and gratitude.

This preparation reflects an important principle: Eid is not approached casually. It begins with intentional preparation before the prayer itself.

2. Delaying Eating Until After the Eid Prayer

One of the lesser-known Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha is delaying eating until after the Eid prayer.

The Prophet ﷺ differentiated between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in this regard. It is narrated:

“The Prophet ﷺ would not leave on the Day of Fitr until he ate, and he would not eat on the day of Adha until he prayed.”
(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 542)

This practice helps connect Eid al-Adha to Qurbani and sacrifice. Traditionally, many scholars mention that a person would eat from their sacrifice after the prayer where possible.

This Sunnah is recommended, not obligatory, but it is one of the small distinctions that gives Eid al-Adha its unique character.

3. Remembering Allah During Eid

Eid al-Adha is strongly connected to dhikr and Takbir. These days are not only days of celebration. They are also days of remembering Allah openly and frequently.

Allah says:

“…and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them…”
(Qur’an 22:28)

The Takbir of Eid becomes especially visible during the days surrounding Eid al-Adha. Early Muslims would openly recite Takbir during the days of Dhul Hijjah and the Days of Tashreeq.

A commonly recited form of Takbir is:

اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ، وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰهِ الْحَمْدُ

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah.

The remembrance of Allah is one of the central themes of Eid. This is why Takbir remains one of the most important Sunnahs connected to these days.

4. Attending the Eid Prayer

The Eid prayer is one of the clearest public symbols of Eid. It brings the Muslim community together in worship before the day continues with sacrifice, visits, and celebration.

The Prophet ﷺ placed strong emphasis on attending the Eid gathering. It is narrated:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded us to bring out on ‘Id-ul-Fitr and ‘Id-ul-Adha young women, menstruating women and screened away ladies. The menstruating women were to keep away from the prayer, witnessing the goodness and the supplication of the Muslims.”
(Sahih Muslim 890c)

This hadith shows how important the Eid gathering was in the Sunnah. Even those not praying were encouraged to attend and witness the gathering of the Muslims.

The Eid prayer is not treated as a small optional event. It is one of the defining acts of the day itself.

5. Taking Different Routes to and From the Prayer

A simple Sunnah that is often forgotten is taking one route to the Eid prayer and returning by another. It is narrated:

“On the Day of ‘Id the Prophet ﷺ used to return after offering the ‘Id prayer through a way different from that by which he went.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 986)

Scholars mention several wisdoms behind this practice, including spreading the signs of Eid more widely and meeting more people from the community.

Even though it seems like a small detail, it reflects how carefully the Sunnah shaped the experience of Eid.

6. Listening to the Khutbah After the Prayer

The khutbah follows the Eid prayer and forms part of the wider Eid gathering. It is narrated:

“The Prophet ﷺ used to offer the prayer of ‘Id-ul-Adha and ‘Id-ul-Fitr and then deliver the Khutba after the prayer.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Many people leave immediately after the salah, but staying for the khutbah helps complete the gathering properly. The khutbah often reminds people about sacrifice, gratitude, remembrance, family ties, and the responsibilities owed to others.

Listening to it keeps the focus of Eid connected to worship and reflection, not only celebration.

7. Offering Qurbani After the Eid Prayer

One of the most important practical Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha is the correct timing of Qurbani.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“On this day of ours, our first act of worship is the offering of prayer and then we will return and slaughter the sacrifice, and whoever does this concords with our Sunnah…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

He ﷺ also said:

“Anybody who slaughtered before the prayer should slaughter another animal in lieu of it…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

These narrations make the order very clear:

• Eid prayer first
• Qurbani after

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood practical issues around Eid al-Adha.

8. Commonly Forgotten Sunnahs and Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes is treating Eid only as a social celebration while neglecting its acts of worship. Eid al-Adha is deeply connected to remembrance, sacrifice, prayer, and gratitude.

Other commonly forgotten Sunnahs include:

• Neglecting Takbir
• Arriving late for the Eid prayer
• Leaving before the khutbah
• Forgetting the Sunnah of taking a different route
• Misunderstanding the timing of Qurbani

These may seem like small details, but together they preserve the spirit and structure of Eid in the way taught by the Prophet ﷺ.

9. Final Takeaway

The Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha are simple, but they shape the meaning of the day.

Preparing properly, attending the prayer, remembering Allah, listening to the khutbah, and offering Qurbani correctly all help connect Eid back to worship rather than routine celebration.

These are small practices, but reviving them helps preserve the spirit of Eid al-Adha as a day of obedience, gratitude, and remembrance.