When Is Eid-ul-Adha 2025? Saudi Arabia Announces Dates For Hajj And Bakrid

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The crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, officially setting the stage for one of the holiest periods in Islam. With the sighting, Saudi Arabia has declared the important dates for Hajj 2025 and Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid.

As pilgrims from around the world prepare for the sacred journey to Makkah, Muslims globally are getting ready to observe a time deeply rooted in faith, sacrifice, and spiritual reflection.

Dhul Hijjah is a month of divine mercy and immense spiritual opportunity. It is in this month that millions of Muslims perform Hajj, fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered among the most blessed days in the Islamic calendar, surpassing even the nights of Ramadan in their sanctity. The spiritual weight carried by these days is profound, with fasting, charity, prayer, and remembrance of God encouraged more than ever.

Eid-ul-Adha, which falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, commemorates the unwavering devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In response, God replaced the child with a ram, signifying that faith and submission are more valuable than the act itself. This moment remains a pinnacle of spiritual symbolism and is honored by Muslims through Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of an animal, followed by the distribution of meat among the poor and needy.

Eid-ul-Adha 2025 And Hajj Dates

Following the moon sighting, Saudi authorities have announced that the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH falls on Saturday, May 31, 2025. This means the Day of Arafah, considered the most important day of Hajj, will be observed on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Consequently, Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on Monday, June 9, 2025, in Saudi Arabia and possibly in several other countries that follow the same lunar calendar.

This announcement is pivotal not just for the Kingdom but for millions across the globe. Countries that rely on the Saudi moon sighting for religious observance will mark the same dates, while others may vary slightly based on local moon sighting practices.

For many Muslims, the journey to Makkah for Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Following several years of restrictions and limited pilgrim quotas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year marks a continued return to normalcy. Saudi Arabia is expected to host over two million pilgrims, with preparations already in full swing to ensure safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment for every visitor.

Pilgrims will begin their rites with the state of Ihram, a condition of ritual purity and humility, before proceeding to the Kaaba for Tawaf (circumambulation) and onward to the plains of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The culmination at Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon, is particularly moving. Standing in prayer on this day, known as Wuquf, is regarded as the essence of Hajj.

Significance Of Spiritual Cleansing

Eid-ul-Adha's spiritual core lies in the concept of sacrifice-not merely of animals, but of ego, pride, and worldly desires. The act of Qurbani symbolizes an individual's readiness to give up material comfort and show devotion to God's will. This internal purification is at the heart of the festival.

In every corner of the Muslim world, families prepare to offer goats, sheep, cows, or camels in remembrance of Ibrahim's loyalty. The meat is then distributed among three groups: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor. This practice fosters a deep sense of community, gratitude, and generosity.

Spiritual Practices During the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

While Ramadan often takes the spotlight for devotion and piety, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are uniquely potent. Muslims are encouraged to fast, especially on the Day of Arafah, where fasting expiates the sins of the past and coming year for those not performing Hajj.

Beyond fasting, increased prayer, charity, recitation of the Qur'an, and Dhikr (remembrance of God) are emphasized. In essence, it's a time to reconnect with the divine, reassess one's intentions, and renew the spirit through devotion and good deeds.

The days leading up to Eid-ul-Adha are also about preparation-both spiritual and logistical. Families clean their homes, plan their sacrifices, and ensure they are ready to share with those less fortunate. For children, it is a time of joy and learning, often being taught the values of compassion, sacrifice, and gratitude through family traditions and storytelling.

Many also use this period to pay off debts, resolve conflicts, and seek forgiveness-believing that the blessings of this time are amplified when the heart is free of grudges and guilt.

Eid-ul-Adha Celebrations

From the bustling streets of Jakarta and the villages of Morocco to the cities of North America and Europe, Eid-ul-Adha binds the Muslim ummah in a shared rhythm of celebration. Mosques overflow with worshippers dressed in their finest, greeting one another with "Eid Mubarak" and engaging in communal prayers.

Feasts are prepared, and homes come alive with laughter, children's chatter, and the aroma of festive dishes. Despite cultural differences, the essence remains the same-honouring God through compassion, selflessness, and togetherness.