Greater Bairam or Al-Adh’ha Feast

Expected date. Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, so they move about 11 days earlier every year. Egypt confirms the exact day by moon sighting (Dar al-Ifta) shortly before, and the government may shift the day off. Last checked October 2026.

Timing

As part of the Islamic world, Egypt celebrates Al-Adh’ha Feast, the biggest religious festival in Islam. It is tied to the pilgrimage to Mecca known as Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation for those who can afford it.

Celebrations

The feast falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, the Prophet Ismael, out of obedience to Allah, and Allah’s reward. Preparations often start the day before, and the whole celebration lasts up to 4 days.

The main ritual is the sacrifice of certain animals, including sheep, goats, cows and camels, as an offering. The meat is given to poor people and to members of the family. Muslims exchange greetings for the occasion. Pilgrims returning from Hajj are greeted by others, and they wish Hajj for those who have not yet performed it. As at Eid El-Fitr, the Eid prayer is held outdoors early in the morning of the first day.

For both feasts, the Lesser and the Greater Bairam, Muslims start celebrating the day before. This eve, known as “wakfa”, is especially popular with young people.