Eid-ul-Adha is one of the most cherished festivals in Islam. Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide eagerly anticipate this special day. Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid-ul-Adha has deep meaning and rich traditions. But with the Islamic calendar shifting slightly each year, it’s natural to wonder, When will Eid-ul-Adha be in 2025?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the date, meaning, and customs of Eid-ul-Adha, helping you prepare for this wonderful celebration.
Understanding the Meaning of Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most meaningful occasions in Islam. It honours the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS), who faced an extraordinary test of faith. Allah asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS) — a command that no parent could imagine. But Prophet Ibrahim (AS), with a heart full of faith, was ready to obey.
“Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, ‘O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.’ He replied, ‘O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.’”
(Quran, 37:102)
As he prepared to make this painful sacrifice, he and his son Ismail (AS) showed deep trust in Allah. Just as Ibrahim (AS) was about to fulfil the command, Allah, in His mercy, replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, sparing his life. This act of devotion and mercy is remembered and honoured every year.
Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha by performing the ritual sacrifice, remembering Ibrahim’s faith and Allah’s kindness. Muslims sacrifice a livestock animal, such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, depending on local customs and resources.
The meat is then divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends or relatives, and one for those in need. Sharing the meat symbolises compassion and ensures that the blessings of Eid-ul-Adha reach the wider community, especially those who may not be able to afford meat otherwise. Eid-ul-Adha is a reminder to be generous, kind, and devoted, just as Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail were.
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How is the Date for Eid-ul-Adha Determined?
Unlike fixed-date holidays, the Islamic calendar is lunar. This means Islamic dates move each year. The Islamic year has about 354 days, making it shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Because of this, Eid-ul-Adha’s date changes each year.
The exact date of Eid-ul-Adha is determined by the sighting of the moon, as it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid-ul-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar. The celebration lasts for three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
This traditional moon sighting adds excitement and anticipation to the arrival of Eid-ul-Adha each year. Muslims eagerly await the announcement of the moon’s sighting, marking the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage and leading up to Eid-ul-Adha.
When is Eid-ul-Adha in 2025?
Based on current calculations, Eid-ul-Adha 2025 is expected to fall on the evening of Friday, June 6th, 2025 or Saturday, June 7th, 2025. However, it’s essential to remember that this date is tentative and may vary by day depending on the moon sighting in each country.
Muslims often stay tuned to their local mosque or Islamic organisations for confirmation of the exact date. Many Islamic countries have dedicated committees that announce the sighting of the moon, ensuring that communities have a clear date to mark their celebrations.
Curious about when Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 will be? We've got you covered! Head over to our previous blog for all the details.
Preparations and Traditions for Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha is a joyous occasion filled with spiritual reflection, generosity, and celebration. It’s a time when families, friends, and communities come together to share in the blessings of Eid. Here’s a closer look at the preparations and traditions that make Eid-ul-Adha so special:
1. Performing the Qurbani (Ritual Sacrifice)
The Qurbani or ritual sacrifice is the central tradition of Eid-ul-Adha. Muslims who are financially able, offer an animal, such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, as a symbolic act of faith. This sacrifice honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice for Allah. The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for friends or relatives, and one for those in need.
This division promotes sharing and compassion, ensuring that the joy of Eid reaches everyone, including those who may not have the means to celebrate otherwise.
Want to learn more about the significance of Qurbani and its requirements? Dive into our detailed blog!
2. Attending the Eid Prayer
On the morning of Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims gather for a special prayer, often held in large congregational spaces like mosques or open grounds. The Eid prayer is a beautiful moment of unity, as people come together to worship. Many Muslims dress in their finest clothes, often new or freshly laundered, as a way of showing respect for the occasion.
Learn how to perform the Eid prayer by reading our detailed step-by-step guide!
After the prayer, there is a sermon that reminds attendees of the values of sacrifice, faith, and community. This gathering is a cherished part of Eid, offering a sense of belonging and shared devotion.
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3. Giving to Charity
Giving to charity, known as Sadaqah, is an essential part of Eid-ul-Adha. Many Muslims make extra efforts to help those less fortunate during this time. In addition to distributing meat from the sacrifice, donations are made to support community projects, provide food for the hungry, and supply clothing and essentials to those in need.
Eid-ul-Adha serves as a reminder to support each other and share our blessings. This spirit of giving strengthens community bonds and spreads joy throughout the community.
Want to learn more about Sadaqah and its significance? Check out our previous blog for all the details!
4. Preparing Special Foods and Feasting
Food plays a central role in Eid-ul-Adha celebrations. Families prepare delicious meals to mark the occasion, with each culture adding its own unique flavours and dishes to the table. Traditional foods vary widely and may include dishes like biryani, kebabs, and sweet treats such as baklava and ma’amoul.
Sharing these meals with family, friends, and neighbours brings added joy to the day, transforming the celebration into a true feast of blessings and togetherness.
5. Connecting with Family and Friends
Eid-ul-Adha is also a time to reconnect with loved ones. Many people travel long distances to be with family, and it’s common for relatives and friends to gather, exchange gifts, and celebrate together.
Gift-giving, in particular, plays a significant role in strengthening these connections. It’s not just about the material exchange but the thought and love behind each gift, which expresses care, gratitude, and a desire to bring joy to others. Whether it’s something small or elaborate, the act of giving reinforces relationships, nurtures affection, and fosters a sense of belonging.
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Spirit of Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha is not just a celebration; it carries a profound lesson for every Muslim. The essence of this special occasion is rooted in trust, sacrifice, and deep faith in Allah’s wisdom. When we reflect on the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), we see a powerful example of putting Allah’s commands above everything, even above the love of family and personal desires.
This trust in Allah is what makes our faith strong. Eid-ul-Adha reminds us that life often brings tests and challenges. In these moments, we can choose to place our complete trust in Allah, knowing that He is the best planner and that every trial carries a purpose. When we make sacrifices for His sake—whether it’s giving up harmful habits, letting go of attachments, or choosing a difficult but righteous path—Allah sees our effort and sincerity.
The spirit of Eid-ul-Adha teaches that no act of devotion goes unnoticed. Just as Prophet Ibrahim was rewarded for his obedience, Allah rewards us in different ways, sometimes through blessings we understand and sometimes in ways we cannot see. Submission to Allah and trusting His plan lead to true peace and bring us closer to Him.
Conclusion
Eid-ul-Adha is a powerful reminder of the values that form the core of Islam—faith, sacrifice, generosity, and compassion. As we come together to honour the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion and trust in Allah, we are reminded of our own responsibilities to strengthen our connection with Allah, support our communities, and be mindful of those in need. This special festival inspires us to make sacrifices, not just materially but in our daily actions and choices, for the sake of goodness and faith.
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