Eid al-Adha, known locally in Kenya as Idd-ul-Adha, is one of the most sacred occasions on the Islamic calendar.Eid al-Adha, known locally in Kenya as Idd-ul-Adha, is one of the most sacred occasions on the Islamic calendar.
Celebrated by Muslims across the country and around the world, it honours the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
Before he could carry out the act, God provided a ram to be offered in place of the child.
This day, marked on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah—the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar—coincides with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
While only a small number of Kenyan Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj due to cost and logistics, the spiritual connection remains deeply felt by those observing Eid at home.
The celebration begins with a special congregational prayer, usually held in open grounds or mosques in towns and rural areas alike.
