Saudi Arabia has officially declared Friday, June 6, 2025, as the day of Eid-el-Adha, following the sighting of the crescent moon which signals the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
The announcement was made on Tuesday via Haramain Sharifain’s official X account, confirming that Dhul Hijjah 1446 will commence on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
According to the Islamic calendar: Dhul Hijjah begins on Wednesday, May 28, the Day of Arafah, a pivotal day during Hajj, falls on Thursday, June 5 and Eid-el-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, will be celebrated on Friday, June 6.
The Day of Arafah marks the spiritual peak of the Hajj pilgrimage, with millions of pilgrims expected to gather at Mount Arafat for prayers and reflection.
The following day, Eid-el-Adha will be observed by Muslims worldwide, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) act of faith and obedience when he prepared to sacrifice his son as commanded by Allah.
In preparation for the Eid observances, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, has directed Imams and Khateebs to shorten the Friday sermon (khutbah) and reduce the interval between the call to prayer (Adhaan) and the commencement of the prayer (Iqamah) to 5–10 minutes.
Eid-el-Adha is one of the holiest celebrations in Islam and is marked by communal prayers, acts of charity, and the ritual slaughtering of animals, symbolising sacrifice and gratitude.