Eid al-Adha 2025: Dates, Meaning, and Holiday Updates

Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is a key Islamic holiday for nearly 2 billion Muslims. It happens during Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, starting May 28, 2025, after the crescent moon sighting.

When is Eid al-Adha 2025?

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, expected on June 6, 2025, based on the moon sighting on May 27, 2025. The holiday lasts one day, but celebrations with prayers, feasts, and charity often continue for days. Dhul Hijjah runs for 29 to 30 days, from May 28 to around June 26 or 27, 2025.

Key Dates for Dhul Hijjah 2025

• Start of Dhul Hijjah: May 28, 2025
• Hajj Pilgrimage: June 4–9, 2025
• Day of Arafah: June 5, 2025
• Eid al-Adha: June 6, 2025

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the holiest in the Islamic year, perfect for worship and good deeds.

Why is Eid al-Adha Important?

Eid al-Adha remembers Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, for God. God sent a ram instead, showing the value of faith. Muslims celebrate by:

• Praying together at mosques or Islamic centers.
• Doing Qurbani, sacrificing an animal (like a goat or cow) and sharing meat with the poor.
• Gathering with family and friends to eat and give thanks.

This holiday focuses on sacrifice, charity, and faith.

Why Dhul Hijjah’s First 10 Days Matter

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the most special to Allah. Muslims use this time to:

• Fast, especially on the Day of Arafah (June 5, 2025), which can forgive sins for two years.
• Pray and read the Quran to grow closer to God.
• Give to charity to help others.

Fasting is optional but encouraged, except on Eid al-Adha day, when it’s not allowed.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that Muslims must do once if they are able. It happens from June 4–9, 2025, at the Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, is located.

Hajj 2025 Facts

• Over 1 million pilgrims will join, with Saudi Arabia organizing for global visitors.
• India has a 122,518-pilgrim quota, managed by the Hajj Committee and private operators.
• Many visit Medina, the second-holiest site, to pray at Prophet Muhammad’s tomb, though it’s not part of Hajj.

If you can’t go, fasting and praying during Dhul Hijjah bring similar rewards.

Eid al-Adha 2025 Holiday Updates

Countries have announced public holidays for Eid al-Adha 2025:

• Saudi Arabia: June 5–11, 2025 (private sector); May 29–June 15, 2025 (public sector).
• Philippines: June 6, 2025, a regular holiday.
• Kenya: June 6, 2025, a public holiday.
• Pakistan: June 6, 2025, based on moon sighting.

Dates may vary slightly due to local moon sightings.

Eid al-Adha 2025 Holidays by Country

How Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha is a time of joy and togetherness. Muslims:

• Wear nice clothes and pray together in the morning.
• Perform Qurbani, sharing meat with the poor.
• Eat traditional foods like biryani or sweets with loved ones.
• Give to charity so everyone can celebrate.

The Day of Arafah (June 5, 2025), before Eid, is special for fasting and prayers, especially for pilgrims at Mount Arafat.

What’s Next for Eid al-Adha?

Hajj 2025 will see more pilgrims as travel improves, with Saudi Arabia upgrading facilities. Technology, like moon-sighting and Hajj apps, helps pilgrims. There’s also a push for sustainable Qurbani, focusing on ethical animal treatment and giving food to those in need.