Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Eid el Adha, the major Islamic celebration also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, will fall on Friday, June 6, 2025.
The announcement follows the official sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Dhul Hijjah begins on Wednesday, May 28, marking the countdown to key religious events for Muslims around the world. One of the most important days of the Islamic calendar, the Day of Arafah, will take place on Thursday, June 5. It is the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and a day of intense prayer and reflection for Muslims everywhere.
Eid el Adha comes the following day and is celebrated globally to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to God, demonstrated by his willingness to sacrifice his son. In remembrance, Muslims take part in the ritual of animal sacrifice, with meat shared among family, friends, and those in need.
The announcement was shared through Haramain Sharifain, a platform known for updates from the two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina. The message also included a prayer traditionally recited by pilgrims as they enter a state of spiritual readiness for Hajj.
With the date now officially set, Muslims around the world are preparing for the religious rituals, family gatherings, and acts of charity that accompany Eid. The announcement also helps Hajj pilgrims, many of whom have already arrived in Saudi Arabia or are en route, to finalize their plans for the days ahead.
This year’s Eid el Adha will be observed earlier than last year, when it was celebrated on June 16. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, so the dates of observances shift each year.