Ethiopian Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha with Prayer, Unity

Addis Ababa, May 27, 2026 —Muslims across Ethiopia are celebrating the 1447th Eid al-Adha, locally known as Arafa, with vibrant prayers and religious ceremonies, marking one of the holiest occasions in Islam.

From the early morning hours, hundreds of thousands of worshippers gathered at mosques and open prayer grounds in Addis Ababa and other major cities across the country to observe the sacred holiday.

The celebrations were filled with spiritual devotion, colorful cultural traditions, and messages of peace, unity, and brotherhood.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.

 

This sacred story symbolizes unwavering faith, selfless sacrifice, obedience to God, and steadfast devotion.

The holiday is not only a time of prayer and celebration, but also an occasion that emphasizes compassion and solidarity.

 Families and communities share meals, extend support to those in need, and strengthen social bonds through acts of charity and kindness.

Religious leaders and community elders urged Muslims to continue preserving Ethiopia’s long-standing values of unity, coexistence, and brotherhood as the Muslim community  celebrates the holiday in harmony.

On the eve of Eid al-Adha, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on Ethiopians to embrace the values of sacrifice, obedience, and mutual support that the holiday represents.

In a message shared on his social media platforms, the Prime Minister stated that Eid al-Adha embodies three major values: sacrifice, obedience, and solidarity.

 

“The Day of Arafa holds deep significance among the Muslim community because it commemorates a father offering his son as a sacrifice, a son obeying his father’s command, and Muslims demonstrating to the world the values of unity and mutual support,” the Prime Minister noted.

He further explained that Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son reflected extraordinary faith and determination despite emotional hardship, social pressure, and temptation.

Eid al-Adha also marks the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, making it one of the most spiritually significant periods for Muslims worldwide.

Moreover, millions of Muslims around the world are celebrating the holy festival this year.

Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the exact date of Eid al-Adha is determined by the sighting of the moon. Many Muslim communities follow announcements made by moon-sighting committees and religious authorities in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

As celebrations continue across Ethiopia, Eid al-Adha stands as a powerful reminder of faith, compassion, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of unity that binds communities together.