Today, May 27, 2026, Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha. The festival of sacrifice is the main event in the Islamic calendar after Eid al-Fitr. Millions of people put on their best clothes, go to mosques, slaughter sheep and camels, distribute meat to the poor, and give gifts to children. But what lies behind these rituals? Why is Eid al-Adha in 2026 special? And how is it celebrated in Russia, where there are millions of Muslims? Let's figure it out.

What is Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha (known as Id al-Adha in Arabic) is a festival in honor of Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at Allah's command. At the last moment, Allah substituted the son with a sheep. Since then, Muslims have been slaughtering sacrificial animals in memory of this event. The festival lasts for three days and begins after the morning prayer.

The date of the festival is floating — the 10th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. In 2026, this day fell on May 27. However, the exact date may vary by one day due to the new moon, so it can differ in different countries.

This is not just a "Muslim Christmas". It is a time of repentance, generosity, and unity. The rich share with the poor, relatives visit each other, and grudges are forgiven.

How to prepare for the festival

Preparation begins several days in advance. Believers fast on the day of Arafat (the day before Eid al-Adha) — this is considered a very meritorious deed. They buy or choose an animal for sacrifice. It should be a healthy sheep, goat, cow, or camel that has reached a certain age. The animal should not be lame, blind, or emaciated. It is treated like a guest.

Women clean the house perfectly, bake sweets, prepare treats. They buy new clothes for all family members. Children are especially happy — new dresses and shirts.

In the evening before the festival, many families gather at a large table, read prayers, apologize to each other.

The morning of the festival: how the prayer is conducted

At 6-7 a.m. (depending on the city), believers go to the mosque. In Moscow — at the Cathedral Mosque on Mira Prospect, the Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill, the Historical Mosque on Bolshaya Tatarskaya. Thousands of people fill the streets, praying on special prayer mats.

The festive prayer lasts about 30-40 minutes. The Imam delivers a sermon (khutba), reminding of the significance of the sacrifice, calling for mercy. After the prayer, believers hug each other, congratulate each other: "Eid mubarak!" (blessed festival). Then they go home to perform the sacrifice.

In 2026, due to the large number of believers in Moscow and St. Petersburg, streets are closed, temporary prayer areas are organized. Authorities advise taking the metro.

The ritual of sacrifice: what and how to cut

The most responsible moment. Only an adult man who knows the rules can slaughter the animal. The sheep must be turned towards Mecca. A special prayer — takbir — is read. They cut quickly so that the animal does not suffer.

The meat is divided into three parts: one third is kept for oneself and the family, one third is given to relatives and neighbors, and one third is given to the poor and needy. The skin and internal organs are usually given to the mosque or the poor. The head and legs can be kept for oneself.

In cities across Russia, meat can be handed over to special collection points that operate at mosques. Free distribution of meat to the poor is often organized. In 2026, this is especially important due to the high inflation.

Important: in Russia, sacrifice is only allowed at special abattoirs or in private farms. Slaughtering in the courtyard of a multi-story building is prohibited — by law and sanitation standards.

What to prepare for Eid al-Adha

The festive table is a burst of flavors. Fresh meat from sheep or cows is used to make pilaf, shurpa, manti, beshbarmak, kofta, stewed meat with vegetables. Flatbreads, samosas, meat pies are baked. Sweets are a must: chak-chak, bauraki, twigs, baklava, halva.

Different regions have their own dishes. In Dagestan — kurze, in Tatarstan — echпочмак, in Chechnya — jizhig-galnash. The main thing is generosity. The table should be overflowing.

In 2026, culinary flash mobs are popular on social media: people post photos of their festive dishes with the hashtag #KurbanBayram2026.

How to greet each other

Traditional greetings: "Eid mubarak!" (in Arabic), "Kurban bayram mubarak bolsun!" (in Turkic languages), "Happy holiday!". When meeting, they hug three times, shake hands. First, they greet the elders.

Young people actively use messengers. They send animated cards, gifs with lambs, sticker packs. In 2026, video greetings from famous Muslim bloggers are especially popular.

Gifts are brought to visit. Usually, these are sweets, fruits, toys for children, sometimes money in envelopes. Gifts should be accepted with the right hand, and always thank.

Eid al-Adha in Russia: features

Russia is a multinational country. Muslims live in all regions, but especially many in Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia. In these republics, May 27 is a day off. In Tatarstan and Bashkortostan — officially, in others — in fact.

In Moscow, the festival is celebrated by about 2 million Muslims. Mosques cannot accommodate everyone, so prayers are read in the streets. Authorities allocate additional sites. In 2026, up to 300,000 people are expected on the territory around the Cathedral Mosque.

The police are on an intensified regime. Volunteers distribute water and sweets. After the prayer, many go to cemeteries to remember the deceased.

In St. Petersburg, the main site is near the Cathedral Mosque on Petrogradskaya Side. There too, traffic is closed, temporary portable pavilions for prayer are organized.

Traditions of charity

Eid al-Adha is a time to give. Muslims donate money for the construction of mosques, help for sick children, the maintenance of shelters. Many transfer funds through special applications. In 2026, charitable marathons on TikTok are popular.

In Moscow and other cities, there are actions "Eid al-Adha — a festival of good deeds". Volunteers collect food for the homeless, deliver hot meals to the elderly, help large families.

Traditionally, meat from sacrificial animals is given to hospitals, children's homes, old people's homes. In 2026, due to the economic situation, the number of needy has increased, and mosques call for more donations.

Festival in modern conditions: changes and innovations

In the past, Eid al-Adha was more ritualistic and closed. Today, it is an open festival. Mosques organize excursions for non-Muslims, tell them about the festival. In parks, fairs with halal food, calligraphy workshops, and rope courses for children are organized.

There has been a tradition of ordering sacrifice online. You can not cut yourself, but transfer money to a special fund that will do everything according to the rules in the necessary country and deliver the meat to the poor. This is convenient for city dwellers who do not have the opportunity to keep livestock.

In 2026, live broadcasts of festive prayers from Mecca and Medina are especially popular. Muslims watch them at home on TV or tablets if they cannot go to the mosque.

How to greet a Muslim if you are not a Muslim

Just say: "Happy Eid al-Adha!", "Eid mubarak!" or "Happy holiday!". You can give sweets or fruits. Do not give pork and alcohol — it is haram. Do not shake hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first. Do not photograph people during prayer without permission.

If you are invited to someone's home, do not refuse the treat. Come with a small gift (candies, tea). Do not be surprised if the hosts ask you to take off your shoes or put on slippers. It is desirable to learn a couple of phrases of greeting in Arabic or Tatar — this will be appreciated with great respect.

Safety and common sense

On the days of Eid al-Adha, there are many people in large cities. It is better not to drive — the streets will be closed. Do not take valuable things with you. Plan your route in advance. If you go to the prayer, dress modestly (long sleeves, covered legs, a head covering for women).

Be prepared for crowds. Hold children's hands. Have water and snacks with you. Do not push, do not shout.

If you are not a Muslim and just want to see how the festival is celebrated, it is better to stay at a distance and not interfere with the worshippers. Ask for permission before taking photos.

Conclusion: the meaning of the festival today

It is easy to forget the main thing amidst the hustle of sacrifice and feasting. Eid al-Adha is not about meat. It is about readiness to submit to God, about generosity, about unity. In 2026, when the world is still recovering from crises and conflicts, these values are especially important.

By greeting each other with "Eid mubarak!", Muslims remind us: "Be kind, be generous, forgive." May this day become bright not only for believers but for all who value humanity.

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