When Is Eid Ul Adha 2025 – Key Dates for Saudi Arabia and UK

Eid ul-Adha 2025, the Festival of Sacrifice, is confirmed for Friday, 6 June in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and many other nations following the official moon sighting on the evening of Tuesday, 27 May. The date marks the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is preceded by the Day of Arafat on Thursday, 5 June. This guide provides the confirmed dates for key regions, explains why the celebration can vary by country, and outlines the religious significance behind the observance.

The announcement came after the Saudi Supreme Court urged Muslims across the kingdom to sight the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon on 27 May. Reports confirmed the crescent was visible that night, setting the first day of Dhul Hijjah as Wednesday, 28 May 2025. This ruling also aligns the start of the Hajj pilgrimage, which peaks during the first ten days of the month.

For Muslims in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe, the date is most likely the same—6 June—though some local mosque committees may follow a separate sighting, potentially shifting the observance by one day. The following sections break down the exact timings, regional differences, and the traditions that define this major Islamic festival.

When Is Eid ul-Adha 2025? The Exact Date Announced

Eid ul-Adha 2025 officially begins at sunset on Friday, 6 June 2025, for Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and most countries that follow their moon sighting. The festival lasts three to four days, concluding on the evening of Tuesday, 10 June. The date is fixed at the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, but the Gregorian equivalent shifts each year because the Islamic calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year.

Key insights for travellers, community leaders, and those planning celebrations include the following points.

• Regional date variation: The exact date of Eid ul-Adha 2025 depends on the Islamic lunar calendar and local moon sighting. Saudi Arabia’s calculated date is 6 June, but some UK mosques may celebrate a day later or earlier depending on their moon-sighting methodology.
• Connection to Hajj: Eid ul-Adha immediately follows the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Day of Arafat (5 June 2025) is the most important day of Hajj, and Eid begins at sunset that same day for most Muslims.
• Public holiday status: Eid ul-Adha is not a public holiday in the UK, US, or most Western countries, unlike in Muslim-majority nations where it is typically a three- to four-day public holiday.
• Confirmed astronomical calculation: The new moon conjunction occurred on 27 May 2025 at 3:02 UT, making the crescent visible easily in the USA on 27 May and worldwide (except New Zealand) on 28 May.
• Moon sighting in South Asia: India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries attempted their sighting on 28 May, meaning Eid there may fall on 7 or 8 June.
• Takbir begins: The declaration of God’s greatness (Takbir) starts from sunset on 5 June (Arafat) and continues until the Asr prayer on the fourth day of Eid.

When Is Eid ul-Adha 2025 in Saudi Arabia vs. the UK?

The primary reason for any difference between Saudi Arabia and the UK lies in the method of determining the Islamic month. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court relies on physical moon sighting by credible witnesses, while some UK mosques and Islamic centres may use astronomical calculations or await a local sighting report. For 2025, the East London Mosque confirmed that Wednesday 28 May is the first day of Dhul Hijjah, meaning the Day of Arafat falls on Thursday 5 June and Eid al-Adha follows thereafter. This aligns with the Saudi date.

When is Eid ul-Adha 2025 in London?

In London and across the UK, Eid ul-Adha 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, 6 June, with morning prayers held on Saturday, 7 June. The East London Mosque, one of the largest UK Islamic centres, has officially announced this date based on its moon-sighting committee’s findings. The BBC Bitesize educational resource also states that in 2025, Eid ul-Adha will begin on the evening of Friday 6 June and end on the evening of Tuesday 10 June.

Why does the Eid date differ between countries?

For South Asian countries such as India and Pakistan, the moon sighting attempt took place on 28 May. If the crescent was not visible on that evening, Dhul Qadah would have extended to 30 days, pushing Dhul Hijjah to 29 May and Eid to 7 June. Initial reports from the region indicate that Eid is likely on 7 or 8 June for those following a local sighting.

Is Eid ul-Adha a public holiday in the UK?

No, Eid ul-Adha is not a national public holiday in the United Kingdom. Some schools and businesses may grant leave, but it is not a statutory holiday. In contrast, Saudi Arabia and the UAE declared multi-day public holidays: Arafah Day on 5 June and Eid from 6–8 June, creating a four-day weekend.

What Is the Islamic Calendar Behind Eid ul-Adha 2025?

The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, is based on the lunar cycle. Each month begins when the crescent moon is sighted after a new moon conjunction. Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month, and it is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th day of this month is always Eid ul-Adha.

When is the first day of Dhul Hijjah 2025?

Following the confirmed moon sighting on 27 May, the first day of Dhul Hijjah 2025 is Wednesday, 28 May 2025. This date marks the beginning of the Hajj season. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered especially blessed, and many Muslims increase their worship, fasting, and charity during this period.

What is the Day of Arafat 2025 date?

The Day of Arafat, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, falls on Thursday, 5 June 2025. It is the most significant day of the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat near Mecca to stand in prayer and supplication. Muslims who are not performing Hajj are encouraged to fast on this day, as it is believed to expiate the sins of the previous and coming year.

When does Hajj 2025 start?

Hajj rituals officially begin on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, which corresponds to 2 June 2025. Pilgrims travel to Mina, then proceed to Arafat on the 9th (5 June), spend the night at Muzdalifah, and perform the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina during the days of Tashreeq (7–9 June). The culmination of Hajj coincides with Eid ul-Adha.

What Is Eid ul-Adha and Why Do Muslims Celebrate It?

Eid ul-Adha, meaning “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il in obedience to a command from God. According to Islamic tradition, just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God replaced his son with a ram. This story is seen as the ultimate example of submission to the divine will. The festival is also known as Bakri-Eid in South Asian cultures.

The celebration involves several key traditions:

• Eid prayers: A special congregational prayer is held in the morning, often at large mosques or open prayer grounds.
• Qurbani (animal sacrifice): Families who can afford it sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor.
• Charity and community: Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need, ensuring that everyone can share in the feast.
• Greetings: “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) is the common greeting exchanged between Muslims.

Eid ul-Adha 2025 vs. Previous Years: 2024 and 2026 Dates

Eid ul-Adha 2024 fell on the evening of Sunday, 16 June 2024, with the Day of Arafat on Saturday, 15 June. The 2025 date of 6 June represents a shift of approximately 10 days earlier, consistent with the moving nature of the Islamic lunar calendar, which recedes by about 11 days each Gregorian year.

For 2026, precise dates are not yet confirmed. Based on the lunar cycle, Eid ul-Adha 2026 is expected to fall in late May, approximately 25–28 May 2026. The confirmation will depend on the moon sighting at the end of Dhul Qadah. Muslims are advised to continue checking official local mosque announcements for the most accurate dates.

How Will Eid ul-Adha 2025 Be Celebrated?

Celebrations across the world follow a similar pattern, though local customs add regional flavour. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, public holidays allow for extended family gatherings, feasts, and the distribution of Qurbani meat. In the UK, many Muslims take the day off work or school to join communal prayers at mosques followed by celebrations at home.

Eid prayers in London 2025

Major London mosques, including the East London Mosque, schedule multiple prayer congregations on the morning of Eid. Worshippers are advised to arrive early, as these events often draw large crowds. The exact prayer timings are typically announced a few days before Eid on each mosque’s website and social media channels.

How long does Eid ul-Adha last?

Eid ul-Adha is traditionally observed for three to four days. The first day is the most significant, featuring the congregational prayer and Qurbani. The following days, known as the days of Tashreeq, are a continuation of the festivities and include meat distribution, visiting relatives, and community meals.

Hajj and Eid ul-Adha 2025: Complete Timeline

The following timeline outlines the key dates from the moon sighting through the conclusion of Eid.

1. 27 May 2025 (evening): Moon sighting for Dhul Hijjah. Crescent confirmed visible in Saudi Arabia and UAE.
2. 28 May 2025: First day of Dhul Hijjah. Hajj season officially begins.
3. 2–6 June 2025: Days of Hajj. Pilgrims move between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
4. 5 June 2025 (Day of Arafat): Hajj climax. Pilgrims stand at Mount Arafat in prayer. Muslims worldwide fast.
5. 6 June 2025 (Eid Day 1): Eid prayers in the morning. Qurbani (animal sacrifice). Family visits and feasting.
6. 7–9 June 2025 (Eid Days 2–4): Tashreeq days. Continued celebrations, meat distribution, and community gatherings.

Certainty and Uncertainty Around Eid ul-Adha 2025

While the core dates are confirmed, some elements carry inherent uncertainty due to the nature of the lunar calendar and regional sighting practices.

What Is the Significance of the Lunar Calendar for Eid ul-Adha?

The Islamic calendar is purely lunar, with each month beginning at the first sighting of the crescent moon. This means the calendar is not adjusted to match the solar year, so Islamic festivals migrate backward through the Gregorian seasons over time. Eid ul-Adha always falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, but the Gregorian date changes every year. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il, and God’s mercy in providing a ram instead. This narrative of faith and obedience is central to the observance.

Some countries use astronomical calculations to predetermine dates, while others—most notably Saudi Arabia—rely on physical sightings by trained witnesses. This methodological difference is the primary reason why dates can vary, even among neighbouring countries.

Which Sources Confirmed the Eid ul-Adha 2025 Date?

Several authoritative sources confirmed the 2025 date. The East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre announced: “Wednesday 28 May 2025 is the first day of the Islamic month of Hajj, Dhul Hijjah. The Day of ‘Arafat will be on Thursday 5 June 2025. Eid al-Adha will follow thereafter.” BBC Bitesize also published that “In 2025, Eid ul-Adha will begin on the evening of Friday 6 June and end on the evening of Tuesday 10 June.” Wikipedia’s encyclopedia entry for Eid al-Adha lists the 2025 date as “6 June – 9 June (West Asia, Europe, North America) / 7 June – 10 June (some regions).”

“Wednesday 28 May 2025 is the first day of the Islamic month of Hajj, Dhul Hijjah. The Day of ‘Arafat will be on Thursday 5 June 2025. Eid al-Adha will follow thereafter.”

— East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre, official announcement

“In 2025, Eid ul-Adha will begin on the evening of Friday 6 June and end on the evening of Tuesday 10 June.”

— BBC Bitesize

Additional reporting from Gulf News and the Times of India confirmed the Saudi Supreme Court’s call for sighting on 27 May and the subsequent confirmation of the crescent. The Hindustan Times provided a global breakdown of expected dates by region.

What to Expect for Eid ul-Adha 2026

Based on the Islamic calendar cycle, Eid ul-Adha 2026 is expected to fall in late May 2026, approximately 25–28 May. Confirmation will depend on moon sightings in late 2025 or early 2026. Readers are encouraged to continue checking official local mosque announcements for the most accurate dates as the time approaches.

For broader calendar reference, you may wish to consult the Months Of The Year – Complete Guide to Order, Days and Songs. For a similar “when is” informational article about another celebration, see When Is Bonfire Night – UK Dates, History & Celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eid ul-Adha 2025