Would you be able to give up the thing you love most? Or surrender your belongings to someone in need?

The most important Eid holiday (Eid ul-Azha, sometimes pronounced Eid ul-Adha) is all about sacrifice and selflessness. In this article, you’ll learn about the Eid ul-Azha meaning in Urdu-speaking Pakistan, why it’s celebrated, and what you can expect to find during this major holiday.

Let’s get started!

1. What is Eid ul-Azha?

Eid ul-Azha, often called “The Feast of the Sacrifice” in English, is one of the most important Muslim holidays worldwide. 

It originates from the story of Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismael. According to the Quran, Ibrahim had asked Allah to give him a son, and Allah did so. But as Ismael grew older, Ibrahim began having recurring dreams of slaughtering his son and realized it was an order from Allah to sacrifice his son. Upon Ibrahim telling his son this, Ismael told his father to do as Allah willed. Ibrahim prepared his son for the sacrifice, was about to slaughter him, but was stopped by a voice. This voice told him that the “vision” had already been completed. Ibrahim was given a lamb to sacrifice in Ismael’s place, and Ismael was revealed to be a righteous prophet.  

Today, Muslims celebrate this holiday as a time of ایثار (eesaar), or “selflessness,” and as a reminder that Allah blesses the faithful. Eid ul-Azha is also associated with the willingness to give up one’s cherished possessions to glorify Allah. 

• See our Urdu vocabulary list to learn the names of different religions. 

2. The Eid ul-Azha Date in Pakistan

The date of Eid ul-Azha varies each year on the Gregorian calendar, as it takes place on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. The holiday then lasts for roughly three days. 

Here’s a list of this holiday’s tentative start date for the next ten years.

Note that these dates may not be entirely accurate, and may vary. The date of Eid ul-Azha is officially determined each year by professional moon-sighters, and the dates above are only expected estimates.

3. Eid ul-Azha Traditions and Celebrations

In Pakistan, Eid holidays are celebrated in a number of ways. Here are the most prominent traditions and celebrations for the Greater Eid, Eid ul-Azha. 

1 – The Sacrifice

The most important tradition is that of sacrificing an animal, usually a بھیڑ (bhairh), meaning “sheep,” or بکری (bakri), meaning “goat.” Once the animal has been slaughtered, its meat is divided into three portions:

1. A portion to غریبوں میں تقسیم کرنا (ghareebon main taqseem karna), or “share with the poor”

2. A portion to take home to one’s family

3. A portion to share with friends or relatives

An interesting aspect of this قربانی (qurbani), or “sacrifice,” is that it’s not done to atone for one’s sins. According to Muslim beliefs, the blood and meat of the sacrifice don’t even reach Allah, except in the form of pleasing Him through one’s devotion. Instead, the sacrifice has more to do with selflessness and sharing. 

2 – Eating on Holy Eid ul-Azha

Due to the nature of this sacrifice, people are expected to prepare and enjoy the meat they receive! 

In Pakistan, Eid ul-Azha is the perfect occasion to have a باربیکیو (barbecue), or “barbecue,” and indulge in a variety of tasty treats. Popular items you’ll come across include kebabs, curries, meatballs, and several traditional Pakistani dishes. Of course, all menu items will conform to halal standards, and you can also find non-meat products (like the delectable ma’amoul shortbread cookies!). 

Expect for meat dishes to be heavily spiced with things like cinnamon, curry, and cardamom.

• Want to see more popular Pakistani foods? Check out our relevant vocabulary list and watch for our upcoming article about Pakistani Cuisine! 

3 – Eid Prayers 

In Pakistan, Eid prayers are given as Muslims gather in large groups throughout the country. They tend to gather in large, open spaces as well as in mosques to pray together. The largest Eid gathering in Pakistan usually takes place in the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, and it’s not uncommon for public officials to host their own gatherings as well. 

In addition to saying Eid prayers, Muslims are called upon to remember those who died for their country, giving the ultimate sacrifice. 

4. The Livestock Markets

As you might imagine, the livestock markets are very busy this time of year! 

In Karachi, there’s a livestock market known to decorate its animals prior to their being bought and sacrificed. For example, animals may be dyed with henna or dressed up in colorful arrangements. 

You can read more about this aspect of Eid ul-Azha on PublicHolidays.Pk. 

5. Essential Eid ul-Azha Vocabulary

Let’s review some of the Urdu vocabulary words and phrases from this article!

Remember that you can also see our Eid ul-Azha vocabulary list with audio recordings for pronunciation practice! 

Final Thoughts

The importance of Eid ul-Azha in Pakistani culture and throughout the Muslim community can’t be overstated. The holiday is an embodiment of the most important Muslim values, and encourages the faithful to perform good deeds and hold their possessions with a light grip. 

What are your thoughts on this major holiday? Is there a similar celebration in your country or faith? Let us know in the comments! 

To continue learning about Pakistani culture and Muslim holidays, check out these free resources from the UrduPod101.com blog:

• Essential Vocabulary for Life Events in Urdu
• All About Kashmir Day in Pakistan
• The Prophet’s Birthday: Eid Milad un Nabi
• The Death Anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal
• The Ashura Holiday: Meaning & Traditions

Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn Urdu or explore life in Pakistan, know that UrduPod101 has your back. Create your free lifetime account today and take advantage of our numerous learning tools: themed vocabulary lists, spaced-repetition flashcards, audio and video lessons, and so much more.

Stay safe out there, and happy Urdu learning!