What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is one of the two major Islamic Eid holidays. In Ethiopia it is often referred to together with Arefa and is listed as both Muslim and national holiday context in EtCal.
The holiday commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice in obedience to God and is connected with the Hajj season.
It is a day of prayer, family gathering, charity, and sharing, with observance patterns that differ by family and community.
Arefa and Hajj context
The day before Eid al-Adha is associated with Arafah, the central Hajj gathering. In Ethiopian usage, Arefa is a familiar name around this holiday period.
For Muslims not performing Hajj, the period remains spiritually important through prayer, fasting on the Day of Arafah for some communities, and preparation for Eid.
The holiday links Ethiopian Muslim life with the worldwide Islamic calendar while remaining strongly local in family practice.
Calendar timing
Eid al-Adha falls on 10 Dhul Hijjah in the Hijri calendar. Since the Hijri calendar is lunar, its Gregorian date moves each year.
EtCal calculates and displays the Ethiopian and Gregorian equivalent so users can plan across calendars.
As with other lunar holidays, final local observance may follow announcements by religious authorities.
Planning with EtCal
EtCal shows Eid al-Adha under Muslim and national filters, making it easy to find from either planning view.
Users can add the holiday to a calendar from the web or use the mobile app for reminders and annual countdowns.
Sources and further reading
This page is written as original English EtCal content and cross-checked against trusted Ethiopian calendar, cultural, Orthodox, Islamic, and public-holiday references.
Related Holiday Info
Continue with related Ethiopian, Orthodox, Muslim, and cultural/regional holiday pages.
Frequently asked questions
When is Eid al-Adha?
It is 10 Dhul Hijjah in the Hijri calendar.
What is Arefa?
Arefa is commonly used in Ethiopia around the Eid al-Adha and Arafah period.
Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in Ethiopia?
Yes. It is a Muslim and national holiday.
Why does the date move?
It follows the lunar Hijri calendar.