Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Iran
Eid al-Adha, called Eid Qorban in Iran, is an official public holiday listed in the country’s holiday law. It falls on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the lunar-calendar date associated with the Hajj pilgrimage and the story of Abraham’s obedience to God.[1][2]
A public holiday in Iran
Iran’s law listing official national holidays includes Eid Qorban. The law establishes its public-holiday status, but the cited text does not spell out which services or businesses must close, or set out a substitute-day rule. The country’s calendar lists no substitute or observed day for this holiday.[1]
Meaning and timing
Eid al-Adha is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. It begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Muslim lunar calendar, during the Hajj period. The date therefore moves through the Gregorian calendar from year to year.[2]
The festival recalls the account of Abraham, known in Islam as Ibrahim, who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. In the Muslim account, God provided a ram in his place. The story gives the holiday its themes of devotion, gratitude and charity.[2]
Prayer, sacrifice and sharing
Eid prayers are a central observance in Muslim communities. Shi’a religious guidance from the office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani describes the Eid sacrifice as a recommended act for those who can afford it and places its preferred timing after sunrise and the Eid prayer.[2][3]
The same guidance permits the person offering a sacrifice to keep some meat for the household, give some to others and give a portion to people in need.[3]
Planning for the holiday
Because Eid Qorban is listed as an official public holiday, visitors should expect changes to ordinary schedules. Check with the particular service or business before travelling or making plans.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in Iran?
Yes. Iran’s official-holiday law lists Eid Qorban among the country’s public holidays.[1]
When does Eid al-Adha fall?
It begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah in the Muslim lunar calendar, so its Gregorian date changes each year.[2]
Are banks, shops and transport open?
Check the provider’s local schedule before you go.
Is animal sacrifice required of everyone?
No. The cited Shi’a religious guidance describes it as a recommended act for people who can afford it; it does not say that every person or household must sacrifice an animal.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Iran:
- لایحه قانونی تعیین تعطیلات رسمی کشور- Islamic Revolutionary Council of Iran (as identified in the legal text)
- Eid al-Adha- The Open University, OpenLearn
- Qurbani - Animal Sacrifice - Question & Answer- Office of His Eminence Al-Sayyid Ali Al-Husseini Al-Sistani