Eid al-Adha Tanzania 2026 (Tentative)

About this event

Eid al-Adha, meaning the "Festival of Sacrifice," is the second of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including the significant Muslim community in Tanzania. In 2026, it is tentatively expected to fall around May 27th, although the exact date can vary based on lunar sightings and local declarations. This deeply significant holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God, before God mercifully intervened and provided a ram for the sacrifice. Eid al-Adha is a time for profound devotion, family gatherings, and acts of charity. Muslim communities across Tanzania typically begin the day with communal prayers at mosques or open-air prayer grounds. This is often followed by the ritual sacrifice of an animal (often a lamb or goat), with the meat traditionally divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. It is a time that reinforces themes of sacrifice, compassion, generosity, and community solidarity, fostering a spirit of togetherness and gratitude among believers, and serving as a reminder of their faith and commitment to God.