Eid al-Adha stands as a major religious festival in the Islamic calendar. Muslims celebrate this occasion, also known as Festival of Sacrifice, by remembering how Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) demonstrated total obedience to God by preparing to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael). The ram appeared just before Abraham was about to execute God’s order because of his sacrifice. Islam uses this event to remind believers about faith and obedience through spiritual self-sacrifice.
When is Eid al-Adha 2025?
Eid al-Adha 2025 starts on Saturday, June 7 and lasts for several days by prediction to end on Tuesday, June 10. The precise dates depend on when moon sightings occur because this approach is used often to determine the Islamic holiday calendar.
Next Eid break
Eid al-Fitr marks the beginning of Eid al-Adha which becomes the following major religious observance. Sunday June 16 of 2024 marks the occasion of both Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha as the national holiday in the UAE. United Arab Emirates will observe Eid al-Adha public holiday from Thursday June 5 through weekend days starting with Friday June 6 followed by Saturday June 7 and concluding with Sunday June 8.
What happens if holidays coincide with a weekend?
The UAE Resolution No. 27 of 2024 introduces regulations which allow a Cabinet decision to move official holidays listed in Article No. 1 except for Eid holidays to start or end the week.
Under the resolution’s provisions local governments hold authority to approve additional official holidays for their departments and institutions on both special events and any other situations.
Significance of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha arrives on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah which is an Islamic lunar month. One of the Five Pillars of Islam Hajj pilgrimage occurs during the same period as this holiday. Through this holiday Muslims honor love for their community and family while practicing philanthropy.
Read more | UAE holiday calendar for 2025: When is the next long weekend?
Key practices during Eid al-Adha
Here are some important traditions observed during this festive occasion:
- Prayer: At the start of the day Muslims congregate at the mosque for performing the Eid prayer through special worship.
- Sacrifice: After performing the prayer, certain Muslims offer animal sacrifices including sheep along with goat and cow and camel if possible. The donated meat is distributed in three equal parts which provide portions for the needy persons as well as sharing with relatives and friends and keeping one portion for family consumption.
- Charity: The central message of Eid al-Adha requires people to distribute their wealth amongst the needy members of society. Several Muslims volunteer their money to charitable organizations and spread nourishment among deprived people during this time period.
- Festive meals: Different families share festive meals where traditional dishes specific to their culture become the main attractions. The practice of festive meals during Eid celebration helps community members gather together while uniting families with stronger bonds.
- Gifts and greetings: The occasion brings a tradition of exchanging holiday greetings and presents with Eid Mubarak as the widespread greeting to express blessings during Eid.
Cultural variations
The celebration practices of Eid al-Adha differ widely between different cultural communities worldwide. Muslim observance of animal sacrifice happens frequently in countries where most residents follow Islam yet American Muslims commonly support organizations to conduct and disperse the sacrificed animals.
Eid al-Adha serves as an occasion to think deeply about life while strengthening connection between people through appreciation. The celebration teaches people about the essential beliefs of selfless giving and belief combined with shared charity. People initiate serious preparations before Eid al-Adha arrives because families establish their festival plans alongside charitable donation strategies. During this occasion family ties become strengthened and the wider community feels supported among all members.
