Eid al-Adha (Arefa)ዒድ አል አድሐ

The story behind Arefa

Eid al-Adha recalls how Ibrahim, tested by God, prepared to sacrifice his son, only for God to spare the boy and provide a ram in his place. The festival celebrates faith, obedience and God's mercy.

It falls at the climax of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage that every able Muslim aspires to make once in a lifetime, linking believers in Ethiopia to the wider community of Islam.

How Eid al-Adha is celebrated

The day opens with the congregational Eid prayer. Families who are able then perform the qurbani — the sacrifice of a sheep, goat or ox — and divide the meat three ways: for the household, for relatives and friends, and for the poor, so that no one is left out of the feast.

It is a time of generosity, shared meals and visiting, with charity to those in need at its heart.

How to greet someone at Eid al-Adha

As at Eid al-Fitr, the greeting is “Eid Mubarak” — “Blessed Eid.” A card is a thoughtful way to share Arefa wishes with loved ones.