Believers gathered at mosques in Moscow to celebrate Eid al-Adha

Muslims in Moscow and throughout Russia celebrate Eid al—Adha, one of the main holidays of Islam, on May 27. It marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and symbolizes mercy and spiritual purification. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

Holiday traditions

Eid al—Adha is celebrated annually on the 70th day after Eid al-Adha, the holiday of the end of fasting during Ramadan. In 2026, Eid al-Adha fell on May 27, and the celebration will last three days until May 29. The history of tradition refers to the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to God. The main ceremony of the holiday is the sacrifice (Kurban) of sheep, goats, cows or camels. Their meat is divided into three parts: one is left to the family, the second is given to relatives and friends, and the third is given to those in need.

Celebration in Moscow

In Moscow, the celebrations began with a festive prayer at the Cathedral Mosque on Mira Avenue, where thousands of believers came. Prayers were also held at the Center of World Religions in Kommunarka, where Muslims were congratulated on the holiday and blessed.

According to Rushan Abbyasov, deputy chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Mufti of the Moscow region, 350-400 thousand people were expected to participate in the celebration in Moscow and the Moscow region. Due to the mass events, the work of law enforcement agencies was strengthened, and temporary traffic restrictions were introduced on a number of streets.

In Moscow, public sacrifice is prohibited within the city limits, and specialized sites have been created for this purpose in the Moscow region.

Celebration in the regions

Eid al-Adha is widely celebrated throughout the country. Thousands of believers gathered for festive prayers in St. Petersburg, Kazan, Simferopol, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk and other cities. In St. Petersburg, a common prayer was held at the Cathedral Mosque on Kronverksky Prospekt, and Governor Alexander Beglov congratulated the faithful.

In Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, this day has been declared a day off. The festive prayer was held at the Al-Marjani Mosque. After the service, a large-scale Kurban-Fest family festival was held in the Elmai Children's Park.

Days off in the regions

In a number of regions of Russia, May 27 has been declared a day off. Three days off have been declared in Dagestan and Ingushetia — on May 27, 28 and 29. Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, Adygea, Tatarstan and Bashkortostan will have days off only on May 27. In Crimea, the day off has been postponed to Friday, May 29. In Dagestan, a ban on the retail sale of alcohol was introduced during the celebration.

Congratulations

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Russian Muslims on the Eid al-Adha holiday.

"Following the precepts and centuries—old traditions of your ancestors, you widely celebrate this ancient holiday, which turns believers to the origins of Islam, calls for goodness and justice, mercy and piety," the statement said.

Putin also emphasized the role of Muslim organizations in the social and cultural life of the country, noting their attention to strengthening family values, patriotic education of young people, as well as to supporting defenders of the Fatherland and their family members.

Ravil Gainutdinov, Chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, noted that on this day Muslims gather in mosques to pray for peace and prosperity in Russia. Albir Hazrat Krganov, the Mufti of Moscow, called Eid al-Adha "a time of mercy, helping those in need, and strengthening kinship and fraternal ties."