Why is Idul Adha referred to as Lebaran Haji?

Idul Adha 1447 AH is celebrated today, Wednesday, 27 May 2026. Why is Idul Adha commonly referred to as Lebaran Haji or Idul Kurban?

The day before Idul Adha, Hajj pilgrims perform wukuf at Arafah Plain, remaining there to draw closer to Allah. According to the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) website, wukuf is the pinnacle rukun (pillar) of Hajj.

During wukuf, pilgrims offer sincere prayers and recite dhikr (remembrance of Allah) until sunset. They then proceed to Muzdalifah to spend the night.

Meanwhile, Muslims not performing Hajj are encouraged to observe the Arafah fast.

For Muslims, sacrificing an animal is a sunnah muakkadah (emphasised tradition). This obligation applies to Muslims who have reached puberty, are of sound mind, and are financially capable.

Etymologically, Idul Adha has deep meaning derived from Arabic: ‘idul’ and ‘adha’. The term ‘idul’ or ‘id’ comes from ‘ada yaudu’, meaning ‘to return’.

Meanwhile, ‘adha’ is the plural form of ‘adhat’, which originates from ‘udhiyah’, meaning ‘sacrifice’.

Thus, Idul Adha can be interpreted as ‘returning to sacrifice’ or the festival of animal sacrifice.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs states: ‘Idul Adha marks two unique annual celebrations for Muslims: the Hajj pilgrimage and the act of sacrifice.’

At that time, Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his son, Ismail.

This test was profoundly difficult for Ibrahim, who had long awaited a child. However, as a devoted servant, he chose to obey Allah’s command.

Prophet Ismail supported his father’s decision to obey Allah, accepting the command with grace.

In recognition of Ibrahim and Ismail’s devotion, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram during the sacrifice. The ram’s meat was then distributed among Muslims.