Eid-ul-Adha 2025: Date, time for crescent moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH by Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, US, UK

Eid ul-Adha 2025: Date, Moon Sighting Schedule, and Global Celebration Guide

Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, and Qurban Bayarami are some of the other names for Eid ul-Adha, which is one of the most revered Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. This significant day commemorates the unshakable faith and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to offer his beloved son as a sacrifice in response to Allah’s command—a historic occasion that is commemorated with reverence and profound spiritual contemplation.

The Islamic lunar calendar has a strong influence on when Eid ul-Adha falls. It is celebrated annually on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic year. This day comes immediately after the completion of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca—one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

The moon sighting for Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH will start this year on the evening of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the 29th day of Dhul Qa’dah, for Muslims in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, and other Arab countries, as well as in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Canada. Eid ul-Adha will fall on Friday, June 6, 2025, and the Day of Arafat (Youmul Hajj) on Thursday, June 5 if the crescent moon is visible on May 27. Dhul Hijjah will start on Wednesday, May 28. Dhul Hijjah will begin on Thursday, May 29, and Eid will be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with Arafat Day falling on Friday, June 6, if the moon is not visible.

Meanwhile, countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia—including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, and Hong Kong—will perform their moon sighting a day later, on Wednesday, May 28. Based on their local sighting, if the moon is seen, Eid will be on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Otherwise, Eid festivities will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Eid ul-Adha is a powerful reminder of faith, obedience, and selflessness that goes beyond simple rituals. Muslims from all over the world come together to reaffirm their commitment to Allah’s guidance and the moral principles of Islam. Eid prayers, which are usually held in mosques or open prayer areas with a sizable crowd, begin the day. The sermon that follows emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, dedication, and helping others – especially the less fortunate.

The act of sacrificing an animal – usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel – is central to the celebration. The custom reflects the devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim while promoting the value of humility and giving. To reinforce the principles of kindness, generosity, and social welfare, the meat of the sacrifice is divided into three equal parts: one for the family, one for neighbors and relatives, and one for the poor.

Families and friends gather to celebrate Eid ul-Adha, a time of great joy and gratitude. Muslims visit homes to exchange hearty meals, wish each other “Eid Mubarak,” and wear new or better clothes. Every home prepares and enjoys delicious traditional dishes and desserts such as sevyan (sweet sevyan), kebabs, biryani, and sheer kurma (sevyan pudding). In a spirit of celebration and solidarity, these occasions deepen family bonds and unite communities.
This sacred festival also serves as a reminder of deep ethical and spiritual values. It encourages every Muslim to reflect on their relationship with God and to act with compassion and empathy toward fellow human beings. Acts of zakat (charity) and voluntary giving are highly encouraged during this period. Eid ul-Adha plays a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, caring for the needy, and embodying the true essence of Islam—peace, humility, and generosity.