Beyond New Clothes: Helping Children Understand the Story Behind Eid ul Adha Celebration

As Eid al-Adha approaches, many homes are busy preparing for the festivities. New clothes have been purchased, menus are being planned, and children are eagerly counting down the days until they can open their Eid gifts.

Yet amidst all the excitement, there is one preparation that matters even more than what we wear or what we eat; it’s helping our children understand the “why” behind the Eid ul Adha celebrations.

For many children, Eid can easily become associated with gifts, family visits, delicious food and new outfits. While these are all beautiful parts of the celebration, they are not the reason we celebrate.

At the heart of Eid al-Adha lies one of the most powerful stories of faith, obedience and trust in Allah ever told—the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

The Story at the Heart of Eid

As a parent, the test of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is one that I can’t imagine and I am sure this applies to many of us. 

After years of longing for a child, Allah blessed him with Prophet Ismail (AS) and then commanded Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice the son he longed to have for so long and loved so dearly.

It was a test that touched the deepest part of a father's heart.

Yet neither Ibrahim (AS) nor his son Ismail argued or negotiated. They both trusted Allah SWT completely and demonstrated true submission.

Together, father and son prepared to obey Allah's command.

Then, at the very last moment, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, but the sacrifice was never truly about Ismail (AS). It was about obedience, trust and true surrender.

This submission is why Muslims around the world perform Qurbani during Eid al-Adha—to remember the faith of Ibrahim (AS) and to reflect on our own willingness to obey Allah.

How Can We Bring the Story to Life for Our Children? 

For toddlers and younger children (Ages 3–6)

They don’t need every detail of the story. What they need are the key lessons presented in a simple and reassuring way.

For example:

"Prophet Ibrahim loved his son very much. But he loved Allah even more and trusted Him completely. Allah saw how obedient Ibrahim was and saved his son. That's why we remember Prophet Ibrahim during Eid and why Muslims sacrifice an animal and share the meat with others."

Children in this age group learn best through stories, pictures and repetition. Reading age-appropriate books about Prophet Ibrahim (AS), colouring activities and simple discussions can help them connect emotionally with the story.

The goal is not simply for them to remember the events, but to understand the values of love, gratitude and obedience to Allah. Books like Prophet Ibrahim’s Search for Allah and Prophet Ibrahim Activity Book are a great place to start.

Going Deeper with Older Children (Ages 7–12)

As children grow older, they are ready to think more deeply about the lessons behind the story.

Ask questions such as:

• Why do you think Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim?

• How would you feel if you were in Prophet Ismail's position?

• What does it mean to trust Allah?

• Why do Muslims perform Qurbani every year?

These conversations help children move beyond memorising facts and begin reflecting on the meaning of the story.

This is also an excellent opportunity to introduce the concept of tawakkul—placing one's trust in Allah even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain.

You can explain that Qurbani is not simply a ritual we perform because our parents did it. It is an act of worship that reminds us to be grateful, generous and obedient to Allah.

Meaningful Conversations with Teenagers

Teenagers are at an age where they are beginning to think deeply about identity, priorities and the choices that shape their lives. The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) offers an opportunity to explore one of the most challenging questions a Muslim can ask:

What am I willing to sacrifice for the sake of Allah?

Ask your teenager:

"What are the things that Allah asks us to do that we sometimes struggle with?"

"How can we show trust in Allah when life doesn't go the way we planned?"

• Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was tested with something he loved dearly—his son. Allah did not ask him to give up something insignificant. The test was meaningful because it involved something precious.

While our children may never face a test like Ibrahim's, they can reflect on the things that occupy the most important place in their own lives. Is there anything they value so much that it sometimes comes before their relationship with Allah? Is it popularity, friendships, social media, sports, entertainment or personal ambitions?

Help them understand that the story of Ibrahim (AS) is not simply about a sacrifice that happened thousands of years ago. It is a reminder that Allah should always come first in our hearts, above our desires, fears and attachments.

These discussions help connect an ancient story to modern life, showing that the lessons of Ibrahim (AS) remain just as relevant today.

The Greatest Eid Gift

As parents, we naturally want our children to enjoy Eid.

We want them to feel excited. We want them to create happy memories. We want them to experience the joy of gathering with family and celebrating together.

But perhaps the greatest gift we can give them is something far more lasting than clothes, toys or treats.

It is understanding.

Understanding why Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha in the first place.

And understanding that the lessons of faith, obedience and gratitude are just as important today as they were thousands of years ago.

This Eid, as you prepare the outfits and finalise the menu, take some time to prepare your children's hearts as well.

Looking for books to help your children learn about Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajj and Eid al-Adha? Explore our collection of Islamic storybooks and activity books designed to make learning meaningful, engaging and age-appropriate for every stage of childhood.