Opferfest

Opferfest, known in Arabic as Eid al-Adha, is a major Islamic holiday observed by Muslims worldwide. In German-speaking regions the festival is commonly referred to as Opferfest. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God; God then provided a ram to sacrifice instead. The holiday marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The Gregorian date advances about 11 days each year, so the celebration occurs at different times in different years and regions, and may span multiple days in some countries.

Rituals include the Eid al-Adha prayer (Salat al-Eid), performed in mosques or large outdoor spaces, often followed by the qurbani — the sacrifice of a permitted animal such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel for those who can afford it. The meat is traditionally divided into three portions: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. Many communities also use the occasion to donate to charitable causes and distribute food to the less fortunate.

Social customs vary by country and culture but commonly include visiting relatives, giving gifts or new clothes, and sharing meals. Opferfest is one of the two major Islamic holidays, alongside Eid al-Fitr; in Turkish-speaking communities the festival is called Kurban Bayramı, while the Arabic term Eid al-Adha is also widely used.