Eid ul Adha 2025: Date, Significance, and Guide

Expected date (Saudi Arabia): June 6, 2025 ·
Duration: 3–4 days ·
Eid al-Adha 2026 start: May 26 or 27, 2026 ·
Also known as: Bakra Eid, Big Eid, Feast of Sacrifice ·
Commemorates: Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice ·
Key ritual: Qurbani (animal sacrifice) and charity distribution

Six facts, one pattern: every key detail about Eid al-Adha 2025 ties back to the lunar calendar and the shared story of sacrifice.

When is Eid al-Adha 2025?

• In West Asia, Europe, and North America, Eid al-Adha 2025 is expected to be observed from June 6 to June 9.
• For North Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, the likely start is June 7.
• The Islamic Foundation of Ireland has confirmed June 6, 2025 as the start date for Ireland.

Why this matters: The one-day split between regions isn’t a problem — it’s a feature. Islamic months begin with the first credible sighting of the new crescent, and longitude makes simultaneous sightings impossible. In the UAE, celebrations are expected to run June 6 through June 8. For Muslims anywhere, the key is to check your local moon-sighting committee or mosque.

What is Eid al-Adha and its significance?

Why is it called the Feast of Sacrifice?

• The name comes directly from the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
• God provided a ram instead, making the sacrifice a test of faith — not a tragedy. This is the foundation of the Qurbani ritual.

What is the story behind Eid al-Adha?

• Eid al-Adha always falls during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
• It is the second of two major Eids in Islam, after Eid al-Fitr, and is often called the “Big Eid” because of its longer duration and the weight of the sacrifice ritual.

The pattern: Eid al-Adha connects every Muslim to a single story that transcends geography. Whether you’re in Riyadh, Mumbai, or London, the narrative is the same — it’s the expression of faith through action.

How is Eid al-Adha celebrated?

What are the main rituals?

• Morning prayer (Salat al-Eid) performed in congregation.
• Taking a full bath (ghusl) before the prayer is a recommended sunnah.
• Family visits, charity (Sadaqah), and exchanging gifts.

What is Qurbani?

• Qurbani (also called Udhiyah) is the ritual sacrifice of a goat, sheep, cow, or camel during the three days following Eid prayer.
• Most scholars consider it either wajib (obligatory) or sunnah mu’akkadah (highly emphasized).
• Meat is divided into three equal parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy.

1. Check local moon sighting to confirm exact start date.
2. Perform ghusl and wear your best clothes.
3. Attend the Eid prayer at the mosque.
4. Listen to the sermon.
5. Perform Qurbani (sacrifice) during days 10-13 of Dhul Hijjah.
6. Distribute the meat in three equal parts.

The implication: Eid al-Adha’s ritual structure reinforces the themes of obedience, generosity, and community.

What food is eaten during Eid al-Adha?

Traditional dishes in different regions

• South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh): Biryani (spiced rice with meat), kebabs, nihari, and sheer khurma (sweet vermicelli) are staples.
• Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt): Kabsa (spiced rice with lamb or chicken), maqluba (upside-down rice and meat), and grilled lamb are common.
• North Africa: Couscous with lamb, tajine, and msemen (flaky flatbread).
• West Africa: Jollof rice with beef, suya (spiced grilled meat), and fura (millet balls).

The trade-off: Every region adapts the same core ingredient — freshly sacrificed meat — to its own spice palette and cooking methods. The common thread is that the meal becomes a celebration of gratitude, shared with neighbours regardless of their faith.

What do Muslims say on Eid al-Adha?

Common greetings and responses

• “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) — the most universal greeting across all Muslim communities.
• “Eid Saeed” (Happy Eid) — common in the Arab world.
• “Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept from us and from you) — a traditional response often said after prayers.

Regional variations: In Turkey, “Bayramınız Mübarek Olsun” (May your festival be blessed). In Indonesia, “Selamat Hari Raya Idul Adha.” In Urdu-speaking regions, “Eid Mubarak” is paired with “Bakra Eid” references since goats (bakri) are the most common sacrifice animal.

The implication: You can’t go wrong with “Eid Mubarak.” Even a simple greeting opens the door to shared joy and community connection.

Timeline for Eid al-Adha 2025

• Dhul Hijjah 10 (2025): Eid al-Adha begins; morning prayer performed. (Studio Arabiya (Islamic learning platform))
• Days 10-13 of Dhul Hijjah: Qurbani days; sacrifice and meat distribution. (Waqf.org (Islamic charitable trust))
• June 6, 2025: Expected start date in many countries. (HHotel Dubai (local travel guide))
• May 26-27, 2026: Expected start of Eid al-Adha 2026. (Islamic Relief UK (humanitarian charity))

What this means: The four-day window from June 6 to June 9 (or June 7-10 in some regions) is the peak of celebration. Plan your prayers, Qurbani, and family gatherings within that span.

Clarity check

Voices on Eid al-Adha

“Eid al-Adha is a time of spiritual reflection and community solidarity. The sacrifice mirrors the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim, and the distribution of meat ensures that even the poorest can partake in the feast.”

— BBC Bitesize (UK educational resource)

“We are pleased to confirm that Eid al-Adha 2025 will begin on Friday, June 6. The new crescent for Dhul Hijjah was sighted, confirming the start of the month.”

— Islamic Foundation of Ireland (official moon-sighting body)

“Your Qurbani is not just a ritual; it’s a lifeline. The meat you donate reaches families who otherwise would not have fresh meat all year.”

— Islamic Relief UK (humanitarian charity)

For Muslims preparing for Eid al-Adha 2025, the choice is clear: check your local moon-sighting announcement, schedule your prayer time (for Riyadh, prayer is typically around 6:00 AM local time, but verify with your mosque), and arrange your Qurbani through a reputable organisation. The meaning isn’t in the date itself — it’s in the act of giving.

Frequently asked questions