Eid al Adha 2025 – Dates, Meaning and Celebration Guide

Eid al-Adha 2025, the second of Islam’s two major festivals, is expected to begin on the evening of Friday 6 June and last until the evening of Tuesday 10 June. The exact dates depend on the sighting of the new moon that marks the start of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While astronomical calculations point to a consistent window in early June, regional variations in moon sighting can shift the celebration by a day in some communities.

Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid al-Adha commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim, who, according to Islamic tradition, was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah. The story is central to the holiday’s themes of faith, mercy, and charity. For Muslims worldwide, it is a time of prayer, family gatherings, and the ritual sacrifice of an animal, with meat shared among relatives, friends, and the needy.

The holiday coincides with the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, and its timing is tied to the lunar calendar, moving roughly 11 days earlier each Gregorian year. This makes the 2025 dates particularly relevant for those planning travel, workplace leave, or community events.

When is Eid al-Adha 2025?

• Eid al-Adha 2025 is expected to begin on 6 June 2025 in most regions, but may shift by one day depending on the crescent moon sighting.
• The Day of Arafat (9th of Dhul Hijjah) falls on 5 June 2025, the most important day of Hajj.
• Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in all Muslim-majority countries and is observed by many Muslim communities in the UK and elsewhere.
• The celebration lasts four days, from 10th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah.

Is Eid al-Adha a Public Holiday in 2025?

UK Position on Eid al-Adha 2025

Eid al-Adha is not a national public holiday in the United Kingdom. However, many Muslims take annual leave on the day, and some schools and local businesses in areas with significant Muslim populations may close or operate on reduced hours. Mosques across the UK, including the East London Mosque and the Central Mosque London, typically announce the exact date after local moon sighting verification.

Public Holiday Status in Muslim-Majority Countries

In Saudi Arabia, Eid al-Adha is an official public holiday starting from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (approximately 6 June 2025) and lasting through the 13th. Arafat Day (9th Dhul Hijjah) is also a holiday. Other Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the UAE, grant public holidays of varying length, often based on local moon sightings.

What is the Difference Between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

Comparing the Two Eids

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. Its focus is on gratitude, breaking the fast, and giving charity (Zakat al-Fitr). Eid al-Adha, by contrast, occurs after the Hajj pilgrimage and centres on the story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The key practice of Eid al-Adha is Qurbani – the ritual slaughter of an animal – with meat distributed in three equal parts: family, friends, and the poor.

Why Are There Two Eids?

Islam has two major annual festivals because they mark distinct religious events. Eid al-Fitr follows a month of spiritual discipline (Ramadan), while Eid al-Adha commemorates a foundational act of faith and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage. Both involve communal prayer, charity, and celebration, but their symbolism and rituals differ.

How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated and What is Its Significance?

The Story Behind Eid al-Adha

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim received a command from Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail. As he prepared to carry out the act, Allah provided a ram to sacrifice instead, testing Ibrahim’s obedience. This narrative underscores themes of submission, mercy, and divine provision. Muslims re-enact this by sacrificing a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, provided the animal is healthy and the act is done with proper ritual.

Key Practices of Eid al-Adha

Celebrations begin with a special Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) shortly after sunrise on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. The sacrifice, or Qurbani, follows the prayer. Muslims also wear new clothes, visit family, exchange gifts, and give additional charity. During the Tashreeq days (11th–13th Dhul Hijjah), pilgrims in Mecca perform the stoning of the Jamarat, while others continue festivities at home.

Eid al-Adha 2025 Timeline (Based on Standard Gregorian Conversion)

1. 28 May 2025 – Start of Dhul Hijjah (month of Hajj)
2. 5 June 2025 – Day of Arafat – most important day of Hajj
3. 6 June 2025 (evening) – Eid al-Adha begins
4. 7–9 June 2025 – Eid al-Adha continues (Tashreeq days)
5. 10 June 2025 (evening) – Eid al-Adha ends

Actual dates depend on the sighting of the new moon. The above timeline follows the majority of announced dates in the UK and Saudi Arabia for 2025.

Certainty vs. Uncertainty: Eid al-Adha 2025 Date

Analysis: The Significance of Eid al-Adha in 2025

Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son teaches obedience and faith; Muslims commemorate this by sacrificing an animal (Qurbani) and distributing meat to family, friends, and those in need. For the UK Muslim community, Eid al-Adha is a time of communal prayer, charity, and family gatherings, even though it is not a statutory bank holiday. The 2025 dates, subject to moon sighting, will be confirmed in the final days of May. For more content from Urban Reporter, explore our latest articles.

Sources and Key Citations

“Eid ul-Adha will begin on the evening of Friday 6 June and end on the evening of Tuesday 10 June.”

— BBC Bitesize

“2025 date: 6 June – 9 June (West Asia, Europe, North America)”

— Wikipedia – Eid al-Adha

“Wednesday 28 May 2025 is the first day of Dhul Hijjah. Eid al-Adha on Friday 6 June 2025.”

— East London Mosque

For further reading, Islamic Relief provides information on Qurbani and the Royal Observatory Greenwich offers a moon sighting calendar.

What’s Next: Future Dates for Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected around 26–29 June, subject to moon sighting. Users planning ahead can refer to astronomical predictions, but final dates will always depend on the visibility of the crescent. For another important observance in 2025, you may want to read about International Women’s Day 2025 Theme.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eid al-Adha 2025