Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the two most significant holidays in Islam, the other being Eid al-Fitr. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ismael (Ishmael), as an act of obedience to God. Just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. This divine intervention demonstrated Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and submission to God’s will.
While the exact date of Eid al-Adha is determined by the sighting of the new moon, astronomical calculations allow for a reasonable prediction. In 2025, Eid al-Adha is expected to fall around June 6th, 2025. It’s important to note that this is a provisional date and could vary depending on lunar observations in different regions of the world. Islamic authorities will formally announce the confirmed date closer to the time.
The observance of Eid al-Adha extends over four days. The festival begins with a special prayer performed in mosques or open-air spaces. This Eid prayer usually includes a sermon focusing on the significance of the holiday and the virtues of faith and sacrifice. After the prayer, Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid.”
The most distinctive feature of Eid al-Adha is the sacrifice (Qurbani) of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. This sacrifice symbolizes Ibrahim’s willingness to offer what was most precious to him. The animal must meet specific criteria regarding its age and physical condition to be considered suitable for sacrifice. The meat from the sacrificed animal is traditionally divided into three portions: one portion is given to the poor and needy, one portion is shared with relatives, friends, and neighbors, and the remaining portion is kept for the family.
Beyond the ritual of sacrifice, Eid al-Adha is a time for reflection, gratitude, and community. Muslims are encouraged to spend time with family and friends, strengthen their bonds, and help those in need. It’s a period of intense devotion, charitable giving, and spiritual renewal. Many Muslims also use this time to visit relatives, particularly the elderly, and to engage in acts of kindness and compassion.
For Muslims who are financially and physically able, Eid al-Adha coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime. During the Hajj, pilgrims retrace the steps of Prophet Ibrahim and his family, participating in rituals that commemorate their devotion and sacrifice. The Day of Arafah, which falls on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, is considered the most important day of the Hajj and precedes Eid al-Adha.
As Eid al-Adha 2025 approaches, Muslims worldwide will be preparing for this significant celebration. They will be purchasing animals for sacrifice, planning family gatherings, and reflecting on the spiritual meaning of the holiday. Eid al-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, sacrifice, compassion, and the strength of community bonds within the Muslim world.