Timing is everything, especially when your entire holiday schedule depends on the moon. If you’re trying to pin down exactly when is Eid ul Adha 2025, you’ve probably noticed that the dates seem to shift and slide depending on who you ask and where they are standing.
Honestly, it’s one of those beautiful, slightly chaotic things about the Islamic calendar. It doesn't follow the sun. It follows the moon. Because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian one, these festivals travel through the seasons. One year you're celebrating in the biting winter, and a few decades later, you’re doing it in the middle of a July heatwave.
The Expected Dates for Eid ul Adha 2025
So, let's get to the point. Based on the most recent astronomical calculations and the official moon sightings confirmed by the Saudi Supreme Court, Eid ul Adha 2025 is expected to begin on Friday, June 6, 2025.
But wait. There’s a bit more to it.
In Islam, the "day" actually starts at sunset the evening before. So, while the first day of the festival is June 6, the atmosphere of Eid really kicks off on the evening of Thursday, June 5. This coincides with the end of the Day of Arafah, which is arguably the most spiritual day of the entire year for many Muslims.
A Quick Breakdown of the Timeline
- Day of Arafah: Thursday, June 5, 2025 (The pinnacle of Hajj).
- Eid ul Adha (Day 1): Friday, June 6, 2025.
- Eid Holidays: Usually last for three to four days, meaning celebrations continue through Monday, June 9.
Now, keep in mind that local sightings matter. If you are in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, you might be celebrating a day later, on Saturday, June 7, depending on when the regional Ruet-e-Hilal committees spot that tiny silver sliver of the new moon. It’s always a bit of a nail-biter until the official announcement drops.
Why the Date for Eid ul Adha 2025 Varies
You might be wondering why we can’t just have a fixed date. Wouldn't that make booking flights easier? Sure. But the tradition is rooted in the "sighting."
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The Islamic month is either 29 or 30 days. You cannot know for certain until the 29th day of the previous month (Dhul Qadah) whether the next month has started. Astronomers like those at the International Astronomical Centre use sophisticated tech to predict visibility, but for many, nothing beats the physical testimony of someone seeing the moon with their own eyes.
In 2025, the birth of the new moon for Dhul Hijjah happened around Tuesday, May 27. Since the moon was visible, the month began on May 28, placing the 10th day—Eid—on June 6.
It's More Than Just a Date
If you think this is just about a day off work, you're missing the heart of it. Eid ul Adha is known as the "Greater Eid." While Eid ul Fitr marks the end of fasting, this one is about something much deeper: sacrifice and devotion.
It commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Just as he was about to do it, God provided a ram instead.
That’s why Muslims who can afford it perform the Qurbani (sacrifice). It's not just a ritual; it’s a massive logistical feat of charity. The meat isn't just for a fancy dinner. It is strictly divided:
- One-third for your family.
- One-third for friends and neighbors.
- One-third for the poor and needy.
In many parts of the world, this is the only time of year some families get to eat high-quality meat. It’s a massive wealth-redistribution event disguised as a barbecue.
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What to Expect During the 2025 Celebrations
If you’re visiting a Muslim-majority country or just hanging out with Muslim friends during Eid ul Adha 2025, the vibe is pretty distinct.
The morning starts early. Everyone is in their best clothes—often brand new—and they head to the mosque or a large open field (an Eidgah) for special prayers. The atmosphere is electric. You’ll hear the "Takbir" being chanted—a rhythmic, melodic praise of God—that honestly stays stuck in your head for days.
Then comes the food. Oh, the food.
Depending on where you are, the menu changes wildly. In Pakistan, you’re looking at spicy mutton biryani and seekh kebabs. In the Middle East, it might be a massive platter of Mandi or Ouzi. In Morocco, you’ll find tagines with prunes and almonds. It’s a literal feast that goes on for seventy-two hours.
Practical Tips for Planning
If you're planning around these dates, here's some boots-on-the-ground advice.
1. Book Early, but Stay Flexible
If you’re traveling, try to arrive a few days before June 6. Flights get incredibly expensive and packed as the "Hajj season" peaks. If your heart is set on a specific event, remember that the date could shift by 24 hours. Don't book non-refundable tickets for the very first morning of Eid unless you have a buffer.
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2. The "Arafah" Fast
Many Muslims who aren't performing the Hajj pilgrimage will fast on the Day of Arafah (June 5). If you’re hosting friends or working with Muslim colleagues, just be aware they might be skipping lunch that Thursday.
3. Charity Deadlines
If you’re planning to donate Qurbani through an international charity like Islamic Relief or Muslim Aid, don't wait until the morning of June 6. These organizations usually have cut-off dates a few days prior to ensure they can purchase the livestock and organize the distribution in time for the holiday.
4. Public Holidays
In countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, expect a long weekend. Most government offices and many private businesses will shut down from June 5 through June 9. If you have paperwork to get done, do it in May. Seriously.
A Global Connection
The coolest thing about Eid ul Adha 2025 is the scale. While you’re sitting in your living room in London or New York, millions of people are standing on a plain in Saudi Arabia, and billions more are celebrating in every corner of the globe. It’s a moment of synchronization that doesn't happen often in our fragmented world.
Whether you're celebrating for religious reasons or just curious about the culture, the message of the holiday—looking out for those who have less than you—is something everyone can get behind.
Basically, mark your calendars for early June. Get ready for some incredible food, a lot of "Eid Mubarak" greetings, and a reminder that sacrifice, in its truest sense, is about community.
To make the most of the upcoming holiday, start by checking your local mosque's announcement for the exact prayer times, as these are usually set only a day or two in advance. If you're planning to give to charity, finalize your donations by the end of May to ensure the meat reaches those in need on the actual day of Eid. Finally, if you're in a professional setting, send out your "Eid Mubarak" greetings on the evening of June 5 to catch people before they head off for their long weekend celebrations.