Everything you need to know about Eid-al-Adha in Manchester

Eid al-Adha is now upon us and Manchester is hosting a wide range of celebrations and festivities.

The festival is celebrated as a public holiday in Muslim countries and is one of the biggest religious festivals in the world - it is also much-anticipated in the UK too- with Manchester offering a variety of activities to Muslims to mark the occasion.

What is the history of Eid-al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha is so called due to the Prophet Ibrahim. In the Qur’an Prophet Ibrahim has a dream where Allah instructs him to sacrifice his son Ismael to test his obedience to God.

The devil tries to persuade Ibrahim not to go through with the sacrifice but, devoted to his faith, Prophet Ibrahim ignores the devil and drives it away. However, just as Ibrahim is about to kill his own son, Allah sends an angel to earth to stop him and offers a sheep as the sacrifice instead.

How is Eid-al-Adha celebrated?

The way that Eid al-Adha is celebrated varies depending on the country, but a majority of the time it will involve the act of Qurbani, also known as sacrifice.

It takes place directly following the Eid Salaah (prayers) and involves the slaughtering of an animal.

The sacrifice can either be a sheep, lamb, cow, goat, bull or camel and must be killed in a ‘halal’ friendly Islamic way.

The animal must be in good health and over a certain age.

The Qurbani meat is then divided into different shares, one third is for you and your family, one third is for friends, whilst the final third is donated to those in need.

During the celebrations of this event, people come together with their families and loved ones wearing either new or their best clothes and attire, whilst also giving and receiving gifts.

When is Eid al-Adha in the UK 2023 

The date may vary according to moon sightings in different parts of the world. In the UK, Eid al-Adha 2023 is predicted to start on Wednesday (June 28) and is celebrated for three to four days depending on the country. This means it will end on Saturday (July 1) or Sunday (July 2).

The act of sacrifice (Qurbani) is carried out following the Eid prayers, which are performed in congregation at a mosque on the morning of Eid.

Where and what time are prayers and celebrations?

The Islamic calendar is dictated by the cycle of the moon, rather than the sun like modern calendars.

Because of this, different mosques across Greater Manchester will be hosting their Eid prayers on separate day with local mosques able to inform intersted parties on which date and time they will host prayers.

Manchester Central Mosque announced it will be celebrating Eid al-Adha on Thursday, June 29. A series of special prayers will take place throughout the morning at 7am,8am,9am,10am, and 11am

Rochdale Central Mosque

Rochdale Central Mosque will be hosting Eid prayers on Thursday, June 29 with the first prayers taking place at 5.30am for men only and a second one at 9am for all genders. Prayers will also take place at Springfield Park, Rochdale at 8.30am.

In the instance of bad weather the prayers will instead take place in Central Masjid, Darul ILM at 8am and Ashfield Road at 8.30am.

Didsbury Mosque

Didsbury Mosque will be hosting its Eid prayers on Wednesday, June 29 with the first prayer taking place at 7am and the sermon being spoken in Arabic. A second prayer will take place at 8am with an English sermon while the third prayer at 8am will be in Arabic.

The fourth and fifth prayers of the morning will take place at 10am and 11am and will both have sermons in English.

Eid In The Park

The yearly Eid In The Park celebration at Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, will take place on June 28. The prayer will take place at 9.30am.

After the prayer has finished, there will be a funfair which includes games and stalls for all famillies.

Eccles & Salford Mosque

Eccles & Salford Islamic Society will be celebrating Eid on Wednesday, June 28, Three prayers will be hosted in the morning at 6.30am, 7.30am, and 9am.

Stockport Islamic Centre will celebrate Eid on Thursday, June 29. Two prayers will be hosted in the morning at 9am and 10am respectively.

Oldham Central Masjid

Oldham Central Masjid will host three Eid prayers on Wednesday, June 28 at 5am, 8am (women only), and 10am.

How do you wish Happy Eid?

It is customary to say “Eid Mubarak” during both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations. “Eid Mubarak” means “blessed celebration” or “blessed feast” because the Arabic word “mubarak” translates as “blessed,” and the word “Eid” implies feast, festival, or celebration.

However, it is typically understood to mean only “Happy Eid” wishes. While “Eid Mubarak” is more than sufficient, you can also say “Eid al-Fitr Mubarak” or “Eid al-Adha Mubarak” to distinguish between the two holidays.