Eid al-Adha 2025 – Dates in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UK and More

Eid al-Adha 2025 is expected to begin on Friday, June 6, marking one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. The festival, also known as Eid ul-Adha in South Asia, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This four-day observance coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, making it particularly meaningful for Muslims worldwide.

The exact timing depends on local moon sightings for Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While projections suggest celebrations beginning at sundown on June 6, regional variations mean dates may differ by a day across different countries. Understanding these nuances helps Muslims plan observances, travel, and holiday arrangements in advance.

This guide provides comprehensive information on Eid al-Adha 2025 dates across key regions, public holiday status, the connection to Dhul Hijjah and the Day of Arafat, and how this festival compares to Eid al-Fitr. Whether you are in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or the United Kingdom, the following details will help you prepare for the occasion.

When is Eid al-Adha 2025?

The most commonly cited date for Eid al-Adha 2025 is Friday, June 6, with celebrations beginning at sundown on that day and continuing through June 7. This projection aligns with the lunar calendar calculations used by many Islamic authorities and corresponds to the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Day of Arafat, a key preparatory day of prayer, falls on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

Global Expected Dates

Predictions indicate a global window from June 6-10, though most regions expect celebrations to centre on June 6-7. The lunar calendar’s nature means dates shift annually—after 2025 falls on June 6, the 2026 celebration is expected around May 27, with 2027 bringing festivities to approximately May 17.

• Eid al-Adha follows the lunar calendar, so dates vary by approximately 10-11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar
• Most countries base their celebrations on local moon sightings for Dhu al-Hijjah
• Saudi Arabia’s official announcement, tied to Hajj schedules, often influences neighbouring nations
• Observances span from West Asia through Europe to North America
• The festival traditionally runs for four days, though exact public holiday periods differ by country

Dhul Hijjah and Arafat Timeline

Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, begins around May 28, 2025, marking the start of the pilgrimage season. The Day of Arafat falls on June 5, the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, when pilgrims gather at Arafat Mountain for one of Hajj’s most significant rituals. Eid al-Adha follows the next day, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, completing the pilgrimage cycle.

Eid al-Adha 2025 Dates in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, London and More

Regional variations in Eid al-Adha dates stem from differing approaches to moon sighting. While some countries follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement due to the Hajj connection, others prioritise national lunar observations through dedicated committees. This section details the expected dates and preparations across key Muslim-majority regions and diaspora communities.

Pakistan

Pakistan typically follows either the Saudi announcement or its own Ruet-e-Hilal Committee moon sighting, potentially resulting in a one-day difference. For 2025, this means Eid al-Adha is expected on June 6 or June 7. The Pakistani government declares a public holiday spanning several days, allowing families to travel and observe the festival. Local mosques begin coordinating prayer times and Qurbani arrangements well in advance of the anticipated date.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Eid al-Adha date serves as a reference point for many nations, given its central role in the Hajj pilgrimage. The Kingdom is expected to celebrate on Friday, June 6, 2025, aligning with the Hajj schedule that determines the entire lunar month’s timing. As the host of the pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia’s official dates carry significant weight in global predictions.

UK and London

London’s East London Mosque has confirmed Eid al-Adha for Friday, June 6, 2025, with the Day of Arafat observed on Thursday, June 5. Morning prayers at the mosque are scheduled for 7:00am. Unlike many Muslim-majority countries, the UK does not designate Eid al-Adha as a public holiday, though some businesses and schools may close for the occasion. The mosque-led approach means community celebrations may vary slightly from regional predictions.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE has declared a public holiday starting June 6, 2025, for Eid al-Adha. The country’s celebrations typically involve multiple days off, allowing residents to gather with family, attend mosque prayers, and participate in Qurbani. UAE authorities generally align their announcements with Saudi moon sightings, given the regional coordination on religious observances.

Is Eid al-Adha 2025 a Public Holiday?

Eid al-Adha’s public holiday status varies significantly between countries. In Muslim-majority nations, the festival typically receives official holiday status lasting 1-4 days, while in non-Muslim countries like the UK and United States, there is no national public holiday designation. However, many businesses, schools, and community organisations accommodate the observance through closures or flexible arrangements.

Holiday Observances by Country

Countries declaring public holidays for Eid al-Adha 2025 include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Afghanistan. The duration varies from one day in some nations to up to four days in others, reflecting local traditions and government policies. Holiday periods often extend beyond the main celebration day to allow for travel and extended family gatherings.

In the United Kingdom, Eid al-Adha is not a statutory public holiday. Many Muslims request annual leave or utilise existing leave entitlements for the occasion. Some employers, particularly those with significant Muslim workforces, may offer flexible scheduling or temporary closures. The absence of official recognition means individual arrangements vary considerably across workplaces.

Eid al-Fitr vs Eid al-Adha 2025

While both Eid festivals represent major celebrations in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr differ substantially in timing, significance, and observance practices. Understanding these differences helps clarify why Eid al-Adha holds particular importance for many Muslims and how it connects to other key Islamic events throughout the year.

Key Differences

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and falls on the 1st day of Shawwal. It is a celebratory occasion lasting 1-3 days, focused on breaking the fast, exchanging sweets, and distributing Zakat al-Fitr (charitable giving). Eid al-Adha, by contrast, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s act of sacrifice and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, lasting four days and involving the ritual sacrifice of an animal (Qurbani).

2025 Dates Comparison

In 2025, Eid al-Fitr falls on March 30, marking the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha follows approximately nine months later, in June. This gap reflects the Islamic lunar calendar’s structure, where months shift against the Gregorian calendar year. Each festival’s timing depends on lunar observations specific to its respective month—Shawwal for Eid al-Fitr and Dhu al-Hijjah for Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha is widely considered the more religiously significant of the two festivals due to its connection with Hajj. The sacrifice commemoration and alignment with the pilgrimage lend it deeper spiritual weight for many Muslims, even as both occasions remain joyful celebrations of faith and community.

Dhul Hijjah and Arafat Timeline

The Days of Dhul Hijjah represent one of the most sacred periods in the Islamic calendar. Understanding the sequence of events from the start of the month through to Eid al-Adha provides context for why the festival falls when it does and how it connects to broader Islamic traditions.

1. Dhul Hijjah 1 (around May 28, 2025): The 12th Islamic month begins, marking the start of the pilgrimage season
2. First Days of Dhul Hijjah: Pilgrims travelling to Mecca begin Hajj preparations
3. Day of Arafat (June 5, 2025): The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, when pilgrims gather at Arafat Mountain for essential Hajj rituals
4. Eid al-Adha Eve: The 9th night transitioning to the 10th day
5. Eid al-Adha (June 6, 2025): The 10th day marks the Festival of Sacrifice, beginning at sundown
6. Tashree Days (June 7-10): The 11th-13th days allow additional observances and completion of pilgrimage rituals
7. Festival Conclusion: By the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, celebrations typically conclude

What We Know and What Remains Uncertain

While strong predictions exist for Eid al-Adha 2025, certain factors introduce variability. Recognising what is established versus what remains dependent on moon sighting helps manage expectations and plan accordingly.

Understanding Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, whose Arabic name عيد الأضحى translates to “Festival of Sacrifice,” holds profound religious significance in Islam. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s dream in which God commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ismail. At the moment of sacrifice, God provided a lamb to slaughter instead, testing and rewarding Ibrahim’s absolute obedience.

The festival’s connection to Hajj reinforces its importance in Islamic practice. During the pilgrimage, Eid al-Adha marks the symbolic culmination of the Hajj experience, when pilgrims who have completed their journey join in the celebration of Ibrahim’s devotion. The ritual of Qurbani—sacrificing an animal such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel—echoes Ibrahim’s act and provides meat for family consumption and distribution to those in need.

Observances typically include special mosque prayers, wearing new or best clothes, gathering with family and friends, and sharing meals featuring the sacrificial meat. The emphasis on generosity and community sharing reflects Islamic values of compassion and mutual support.

Sources and Expert Perspectives

Religious authorities and calendar organisations provide the primary basis for Eid al-Adha date predictions. The East London Mosque, as an official UK mosque, offers confirmed information for its community. Regional moon sighting committees in Pakistan and other countries determine final dates based on local observations of the Dhul Hijjah crescent.

Eid al-Adha is expected on Friday, June 6, 2025, with the Day of Arafat occurring on Thursday, June 5. This information reflects confirmed mosque announcements and aligns with lunar calendar projections for Dhu al-Hijjah.

— East London Mosque official announcement

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Big Eid,” holds greater religious significance than Eid al-Fitr due to its connection with the Hajj pilgrimage and the commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice.

— Middle East Eye religious coverage

Summary

Eid al-Adha 2025 is projected to begin on Friday, June 6, following the Day of Arafat on June 5. While regional moon sighting practices may cause slight variations, most countries expect celebrations to centre on June 6-7. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the UAE anticipate public holidays, while UK and US observances depend on local mosque confirmations and individual workplace arrangements.

The festival’s four-day duration, Qurbani rituals, and connection to Hajj distinguish it from Eid al-Fitr, making it a particularly significant occasion in the Islamic calendar. Whether you are exploring related spiritual practices or planning celebrations with family, understanding these details helps ensure a meaningful observance.

For those preparing further ahead, Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected around May 27, with subsequent years continuing the lunar calendar’s gradual progression through the Gregorian year.

Frequently Asked Questions