Tengrinews.kz — One of the most significant Muslim holidays, Qurban Eid (Eid al-Adha), is approaching. Many families in Kazakhstan have already begun their preparations: planning guest lists, deciding what to serve on the dastarkhan, and selecting an animal for sacrifice. Find answers to the most common questions in this report.
When is Eid al-Adha 2026 in Kazakhstan?
Exact date of the holiday according to the SAMK calendar
According to the calendar issued by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (SAMK), Eid al-Adha in 2026 falls on May 27. Traditionally, the holiday is celebrated for three days—from May 27 to May 29.
Why Eid al-Adha falls on a different date every year
Eid al-Adha occurs on different dates each year because its timing is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, known as the Hijri.
Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, one of the months of the lunar calendar. Since the lunar year is approximately 10–11 days shorter than the solar year, the dates of the holiday shift annually relative to the Gregorian calendar.
The essence and history of Eid al-Adha
The core meaning of Eid al-Adha is centered on spiritual purification, mercy, and aiding those in need. On this day, Muslims perform a sacrifice (kurban), dividing the meat into three parts: for the family, for relatives, and for those requiring support. This emphasizes the concepts of caring for others and social justice.
The difference between Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Adha and Oraza Ait are the two primary holidays in Islam, differing in both timing and significance. Oraza Ait (Eid al-Fitr) is celebrated to mark the end of the month of Ramadan and its associated fast. It symbolizes gratitude, spiritual cleansing, and the joy of breaking the fast. Eid al-Adha is connected to the ritual of sacrifice in memory of the Prophet Ibrahim, demonstrating faith, devotion, and a willingness to self-sacrifice.
While Oraza Ait marks the end of fasting and the act of charity, Eid al-Adha focuses on the ritual of sacrifice, helping the needy, and strengthening spiritual values by sharing the sacrificial meat with family and the underprivileged.
Key traditions of Eid al-Adha
Several traditions are associated with Eid al-Adha that highlight its spiritual and social importance.
Ait-namaz and morning greetings
In the morning, Muslims perform the festive Ait-namaz prayer, after which they exchange holiday greetings. One of the central traditions is the sacrifice (kurban). Usually, a sheep is sacrificed, and the meat is divided into three portions—for the family, for relatives, and for the poor—symbolizing mercy and compassion for others.
The festive table and hospitality
During Eid al-Adha, it is also customary to visit relatives and neighbors, forgive grievances, set a festive dastarkhan, and provide assistance to the less fortunate. People wear new or fine clothing, tidy their homes, remember deceased loved ones, and offer prayers for them.
How much a sheep costs for Eid al-Adha in 2026
Sacrificial animal prices by region in Kazakhstan
Ahead of Eid al-Adha, prices for sacrificial sheep in Kazakhstan range on average from 80,000 to 120,000 tenge, depending on the region, weight, and condition of the animal. Historically, the highest prices are recorded in major cities.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, the cost of sheep by region is as follows:
- Astana — 90,000–120,000 tenge;
- Almaty — 100,000–110,000 tenge;
- Aktau — approximately 100,000 tenge;
- Kyzylorda — 90,000–100,000 tenge;
- Shymkent — approximately 90,000 tenge;
- Karaganda — 80,000–100,000 tenge.
How to choose a sheep for sacrifice: age, weight, and health
According to guidelines from the clergy, the following animals are permitted for sacrifice during Eid al-Adha:
- Sheep and goats;
- Cows, bulls, and buffaloes;
- Camels.
Not only is the species of the animal important, but its age and condition are as well.
For example:
- A sheep or goat must be at least one year old;
- Cattle must be at least two years old;
- A camel must be five years or older.
All animals must be healthy and free of injuries or defects.
Animals that are not suitable:
- Lame, blind, or emaciated animals;
- Those with damaged or cropped ears;
- Those without a tail;
- suffering from serious injuries;
- missing teeth or nipples.
One ram is sacrificed on behalf of one person. A cow or a camel can be sacrificed on behalf of seven people. This is convenient for families or groups, as it provides more meat and, consequently, more aid to those in need.
The sacrifice is performed after the Eid prayer (Ait Namaz)—the morning festive prayer. If the prayer is not held for any reason (for example, due to bad weather), the animal can be slaughtered approximately one hour after sunrise.
Important note:
- if an animal is slaughtered before the prayer, the sacrifice does not count;
- if the sacrifice is made after the holiday ends, all the meat must be distributed as charity (Sadaqah)—none may be kept for oneself;
- the sacrifice can be performed either during the day or at night, but the first day of Eid al-Adha is preferred.
Online Kurban via SAMK: How to order a remote sacrifice
Ahead of the holiday, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (SAMK) launched the website qurban.muftyat.kz, designed for performing the sacrificial rite remotely. On this platform, the price of a ram is 125,000 tenge, and a cow is 875,000 tenge.
How to give Eid al-Adha greetings
Greetings for Eid al-Adha usually include wishes for peace, kindness, prosperity, and the acceptance of prayers (Dua). On this day, everyone strives to express their respect, love, and support to loved ones.
Greetings in Kazakh with English translations
Short wishes for family and friends for messaging apps
Do's and don'ts during Eid al-Adha
During Eid al-Adha, Muslims are encouraged to focus on the spiritual aspect of the holiday, strengthen their faith, and perform good deeds. On the holiday morning, the Ait Namaz (festive prayer) is performed, after which it is customary to congratulate loved ones and visit relatives and neighbors. Charity, helping the needy, reconciliation, forgiving grievances, offering prayers, and remembering the deceased are also highly encouraged during these days.
Eid al-Adha is a time for spiritual purification, so conflicts, quarrels, and displays of aggression are discouraged. Greed and refusing to help those in need are also considered undesirable. Furthermore, it is not recommended to show off generosity or religiosity for public display or to engage in excessive spending, which contradicts the spirit of the holiday. It is important to avoid slander, gossip, and actions that could disrupt the atmosphere of respect and unity.
Main prohibitions and warnings during the holy days
During Eid al-Adha, the importance of pure intentions and ethical conduct is especially emphasized. One must not perform the sacrifice with improper intentions—it must be sincere and for the sake of the Almighty. The animal for sacrifice must meet the established requirements regarding age and health.
It is also forbidden to neglect the distribution of meat: a portion must be given to those in need. It is essential to respect traditions, not disrupt the order of festive prayers, and remember that the main meaning of the holiday is spirituality, mercy, and social unity.
Good deeds, charity, and helping the needy
During Eid al-Adha, special significance is given to mercy and supporting those who need help. One of the key traditions is the distribution of the sacrificial meat: as previously mentioned, it is customary to divide it into three parts—for the family, for relatives, and for the underprivileged. This approach symbolizes equality, care, and social responsibility.
In addition, any form of assistance is welcomed during the holidays—from financial support to simple human attention and care. Feeding the hungry, helping the elderly living alone, and supporting neighbors and those in difficult life situations are considered virtuous acts.
It is also customary during Eid al-Adha to engage in charity, forgive debts, reconcile with those from whom one has been estranged, and perform good deeds without expecting a reward. All of this underscores the holiday's primary meaning: strengthening human bonds and demonstrating mercy within society.
Eid al-Adha Holidays in Kazakhstan: Schedule for May 27–29
The first day of Eid al-Adha — May 27 — is an official public holiday in Kazakhstan. In 2026, this date falls on a Wednesday, providing Kazakhstanis with an extra day off in the middle of the work week.
For those on a five-day work week, Wednesday, May 27, will be a non-working day. May 25–26 and 28–29 will remain workdays, while May 30–31 will be regular weekend days. For Kazakhstanis on a six-day schedule, May 27 will also be a holiday day off.
