Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice

What Is the Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice?

The Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice refers to the third day of Eid al-Adha, an annual Islamic observance. This multi-day festival commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah, before Allah intervened and provided a ram as a substitute. The Feast of the Sacrifice is a significant period for Muslims worldwide, celebrated through communal prayer, family gatherings, feasting, and acts of charity.

While the primary ritual sacrifice (Qurbani) often occurs on the first or second day, the subsequent days extend the celebrations. The third day is therefore a continuation of the festival’s themes. It reinforces communal bonds and provides further opportunities for joy and reflection. It is formally recognised and observed as a public holiday in numerous countries with significant Muslim populations.

History and Origins of the Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice

The origins of the Feast of the Sacrifice are rooted in the Abrahamic traditions. It directly references the narrative found in the Quran and other Islamic texts, detailing Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith. This event is believed to have occurred near Mecca, the site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which immediately precedes Eid al-Adha.

The festival typically spans four days, with the third day maintaining the celebratory atmosphere established earlier. Historically, these extended days allowed for broader participation in communal feasts and reciprocal visits among family and friends, particularly in times when travel was more challenging. The duration of the holiday, including the third day, underscores its importance as a time for community solidarity and religious observance rather than just a single-day event. The practice of celebrating multiple days has been a long-standing tradition within Islamic societies.

How the Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice Is Celebrated

Celebrations on the Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice largely continue the activities initiated on the first two days. The focus remains on strengthening familial and community ties through shared meals and social interactions.

General Observances

Muslims typically dedicate this day to visiting extended family members, friends, and neighbours. It is a time for exchanging greetings, gifts, and sharing food. The meat from the ritual sacrifice performed on earlier days is often distributed to those in need, to relatives, and consumed within the household. This act of sharing is central to the spirit of the holiday, emphasising compassion and community welfare. Children often receive gifts, new clothes, and money (Eidiya) from elders.

Regional Variations

While the core traditions remain consistent, regional practices may offer distinct expressions of the holiday’s continuation:

• Middle East and North Africa: In countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Libya, and Oman, the third day is typically a public holiday, allowing families ample time to travel and gather. Large family feasts featuring traditional dishes like Mandi, Maqluba, or various grilled meats are common. Many families engage in outdoor activities or visit public parks.
• South Asia: In nations like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, the third day also features continued family visits and community gatherings. Charitable acts remain prominent, with a focus on ensuring that even the most disadvantaged members of society can partake in the celebrations. Specific sweet dishes and savouries are often prepared and shared among households. In some areas, special prayers might continue, or community events are organised.
• Southeast Asia: In countries with significant Muslim populations, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, similar patterns of family visits, shared meals, and charitable donations continue. The preparation of traditional festive foods and the exchange of greetings (“Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha”) are customary.

Across these regions, the third day serves as a final opportunity to fully immerse in the joy and communal spirit of Eid al-Adha before daily routines resume.

When Is the Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice?

The Feast of the Sacrifice, known as Eid al-Adha, is an Islamic holiday that follows a lunar calendar system. Consequently, its dates vary each year on the Gregorian calendar. The holiday begins on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.

The Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice therefore falls on the 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. As the Islamic calendar is roughly 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the date of Eid al-Adha shifts earlier each year in relation to the solar calendar. This means the Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice will also occur on different Gregorian dates annually. The precise start of Dhu al-Hijjah, and thus Eid al-Adha, is often determined by the sighting of the new moon, which can lead to slight variations in dates between different regions or religious authorities.

Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice Key Facts