So, you’re looking at the calendar and trying to figure out exactly when to request those days off for Eid al-Adha 2025 in USA. It's always a bit of a puzzle.
Honestly, the date is a moving target because the Islamic calendar is lunar, not solar. We aren't talking about a fixed December 25th situation here.
Based on current astronomical calculations, Eid al-Adha 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, June 6, and end on the evening of Monday, June 9. But here’s the kicker: that isn't set in stone.
Why the date is kinda "up in the air"
In the United States, we’ve got a split in how people decide the date. Some communities follow the global moon sighting (often taking the lead from Saudi Arabia), while others prefer local sightings right here in North America.
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Basically, it depends on when the new crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah—the 12th month of the Islamic year—is actually spotted. If the moon is visible on May 27, then Eid is June 6. If the sky is too cloudy or the moon is just too "young" to see, everything shifts forward by a day.
You've probably noticed that some years your neighbor is celebrating on a Tuesday while your friends across town are waiting until Wednesday. It’s not a mistake; it’s just different methodologies.
The Big Dates to Watch
If you’re planning a family BBQ or a community event, mark these tentative dates for 2025:
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- Day of Arafah: Thursday, June 5. This is the holiest day of the year for many, often spent in fasting and prayer.
- Eid al-Adha Starts: Friday, June 6. This is the "big day" for the Eid prayer and the start of the celebrations.
- Tashreeq Days: June 7 to June 9. These are the days following the main Eid day where the celebration continues.
The "Festival of Sacrifice" isn't just a one-day thing. It spans four days. In America, most people focus on the first day for the large communal prayers, often held in convention centers or large parks because our local masjids just can't hold everyone at once.
What really happens during Eid al-Adha in the USA?
It’s a different vibe than Eid al-Fitr. While the "Sweet Eid" (Fitr) is about the end of fasting, Adha is more solemn and reflective, but still deeply joyful.
You’ll see families heading to farms in rural Virginia, Texas, or Illinois to perform the Qurbani (sacrifice). Or, more commonly these days, many American Muslims use apps or websites to pay for a sacrifice to be done in a developing country, ensuring the meat goes to those who actually need it most.
Basically, if you’re a professional or a student, you should probably put in your "religious observance" request now for June 6.
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Why the moon sighting is such a thing
You might think, "Hey, we have telescopes and NASA, why can't we just know the date?"
The tradition is rooted in the physical act of sighting the moon. It’s a connection to the past. Some scholars argue that if the moon is "born" astronomically, that’s good enough. Others insist a human eye—or at least a telescope—must physically see that silver sliver in the sky.
In 2025, the moon's visibility over the Americas on May 27 looks promising, which is why that June 6 date is looking pretty solid for the US.
A few things you should know
- Prayer Times: Most US mosques will hold multiple shifts for Eid prayer. Usually 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 10:30 AM. Get there early. The parking is always a nightmare.
- Community Dinners: Unlike back home where you might just drop in on neighbors, US Eid often involves ticketed community dinners or "Eid in the Park" events with bounce houses for the kids.
- Charity: The Udhiyah meat is traditionally split three ways: one-third for you, one-third for friends, and one-third for the poor.
If you're looking for a specific mosque to attend, major hubs like the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn or the ICCNY in Manhattan will have massive gatherings.
Next Steps for You:
Check with your local Hilal (moon sighting) committee or your specific masjid around May 27, 2025. They will make the official "Moon Sighted" announcement that confirms whether you’ll be celebrating on Friday or Saturday. If you’re planning to perform Qurbani locally in the US, start looking for farm bookings or meat distributors by late April, as they sell out fast.