Eid ul Adha is one of the most blessed days in the Islamic calendar. It is a day of sacrifice, remembrance, gratitude, and submission to Allah ﷻ. As Muslims around the world gather to celebrate this special occasion, following the Sunnahs of Eid ul Adha allows us to revive the beautiful practices of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and gain immense reward.

This complete, user-friendly guide explains all the authentic Sunnah acts of Eid ul Adha, along with their meanings, virtues, and practical application in daily life. Whether you are a parent teaching your children, a new learner, or simply looking to revive the Prophetic way, this article covers everything you need.

Why Following the Sunnah on Eid ul Adha Matters

The Sunnah is not just a ritual—it’s a way to strengthen our love for the Prophet ﷺ and earn closeness to Allah ﷻ. Eid is an opportunity to practice gratitude, charity, unity, and remembrance through the deeds taught by our beloved Messenger ﷺ.

By reviving these Sunnah actions, we:

Gain rewards on one of the greatest days of the year
Strengthen our spiritual connection
Beautify our celebration with purpose and meaning
Teach our families the Prophetic way
Preserve the authentic Islamic identity

For ideas on making your home festive and welcoming during the blessed days, explore our complete guide on Eid decoration ideas.

Sunnahs Before Leaving for Eid Salah

1. Perform Ghusl (Ritual Bath) Before Eid Prayer

Taking a bath on the day of Eid is a well-known Sunnah. It symbolizes purity, freshness, and preparation for worship.

It shows gratitude to Allah for blessing us with Eid.
It helps you present yourself neatly among the Muslim community.

2. Wear Your Best Clean Clothes

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged wearing good and clean clothes on the day of Eid.

This does not necessarily mean buying new clothes—it means dressing respectfully and neatly.

3. Apply Perfume (For Men)

Men are encouraged to apply fragrance before attending the Eid prayer.
Women may use perfume only inside their homes, not in public.

4. Avoid Eating Before Eid ul Adha Prayer

Unlike Eid ul Fitr (where eating dates before Salah is Sunnah), the Prophet ﷺ would not eat before Eid al-Adha prayer.

He would eat after returning from prayer, from the meat of the sacrifice.

5. Recite the Takbeer of Tashreeq

Beginning after Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and continuing until the 13th, the Takbeer is one of the biggest Sunnahs of Eid.

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

Recite it:

At home
On the way to Eid Salah
In the masjid
With family

It revives the spirit of Eid and fills hearts with remembrance.

Sunnahs While Going for Eid Salah

6. Walk to the Eid Prayer if Possible

The Prophet ﷺ would walk to the Eid prayer and return using a different route.

This Sunnah carries several benefits:

Increases reward with every step
Allows you to meet more members of the community
Demonstrates the spirit of unity and celebration

7. Go to the Eid Ground Calmly and Peacefully

Muslims should walk calmly, not rushing or causing disturbance.
Eid is a day of dignity, humility, and remembrance.

8. Recite the Takbeer Out Loud on the Way

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged Muslims—especially men—to recite the Takbeer aloud on the way to Eid.

This spreads the remembrance of Allah and publicly shows gratitude for His blessings.

Sunnahs During the Eid Prayer

9. Offer the Eid Prayer in Congregation

Eid prayer is a major Sunnah for every Muslim man, woman, and child.

It should be prayed in a large congregation when possible—at the mosque or Eid ground.

10. No Adhan or Iqamah

Eid Salah has no Adhan and no Iqamah, according to authentic Sunnah.

11. Listen Attentively to the Eid Khutbah

While the Eid Khutbah is not obligatory, it is strongly recommended to remain seated and listen attentively.

It provides guidance, reminders, and blessings.

Sunnahs After Eid Salah

12. Offer the Qurbani (Udhiya) Sacrifice

In Eid ul Adha, Qurbani is one of the most emphasized acts.
It commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and symbolizes submission to Allah.

Key points:

Must be done after Eid Salah
Should be done during the days of Eid (10th–12th Dhul Hijjah)
Meat should be shared with family, friends, and the poor
One sheep or goat per person; cow/camel can be shared

13. Eat from the Meat of Your Sacrifice

The Prophet ﷺ would eat from the meat of his Qurbani after returning from Eid prayer.

This is a beautiful Sunnah showing appreciation and gratitude.

14. Distribute Meat Generously

It is Sunnah to divide the meat into:

One-third for your home
One-third for relatives and friends
One-third for the poor and needy

This promotes charity, compassion, and unity.

Sunnahs for Celebrating Eid With Family & Community

15. Spread Salam and Greet Each Other with Duas

The famous Sunnah greeting is:

تَقَبَّلَ اللّٰهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْكُمْ
“May Allah accept from us and from you.”

It brings hearts together and increases love among Muslims.

16. Keep the Day Filled With Dhikr

Even after Eid Salah, continue:

Takbeer
Tahleel
Tasbeeh
Durood
Quran recitation

Eid is a day of worship, not just celebration.

17. Visit Family, Relatives, and Neighbours

Strengthening family ties is one of the greatest acts in Islam.
Eid is the perfect opportunity for:

Forgiveness
Bonding
Reconciliation
Charity
Kindness

18. Give Gifts and Charity

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Give gifts to one another, for it increases love.”

Eid is a day of joy—especially for children. Giving gifts, food, or charity is strongly encouraged.

Additional Sunnahs for the Days of Tashreeq (11th–13th Dhul Hijjah)

The days following Eid (11th–13th Dhul Hijjah) are known as the Days of Tashreeq.

Key Sunnah Practices:

Continue reciting the Takbeer after every Fardh Salah
Remain in the remembrance of Allah
Continue eating, drinking, and celebrating (as these are days of joy)
Increase charity and kindness
Reflect on the story of Ibrahim and Ismail عليهما السلام

These are days of worship, gratitude, and reflection—not fasting.

If you would also like to learn the Sunnahs of the other Eid, you can read our detailed guide on the Sunnah of Eid ul Fitr here.

Spiritual Lessons From the Sunnahs of Eid ul Adha

Eid ul Adha is not only about sacrifice—it is about deeper meanings:

• Submission to Allah:

Just as Ibrahim عليه السلام submitted completely, we submit to Allah’s commands.

• Gratitude:

Eid reminds us of Allah’s countless blessings.

• Charity:

Sharing Qurbani meat and giving charity strengthens community bonds.

• Unity:

The global Muslim Ummah celebrates together, strengthening brotherhood.

• Reflection:

The story of the sacrifice teaches patience, trust, and love for Allah.

Reviving the Sunnah brings all these values into our homes and hearts.

Sunnah Checklist for Eid ul Adha (Quick Summary)

Ghusl before Eid
Wear clean and nice clothes
Apply perfume (men)
Do not eat before Eid prayer
Recite Takbeer abundantly
Walk to Eid prayer
Take a different route back
Pray Eid in congregation
Listen to khutbah
Perform Qurbani after Salah
Eat from the meat
Distribute generously
Visit family, spread Salam
Continue Takbeer until 13th Dhul Hijjah

Final Words

Eid ul Adha is a gift from Allah—full of mercy, forgiveness, and reward.
By reviving the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, we celebrate Eid in the most beautiful and meaningful way.

May Allah accept our sacrifices, prayers, intentions, and good deeds.
Ameen.