The date for Eid ul Adha 2025 has been set by Saudi Arabia following a traditional moonsighting, and it’s set to determine when the UK will join in with its own celebrations.
Astronomers and officials in Saudi Arabia headed to their observation posts on May 27 in search of the new moon’s slim crescent, adhering to the custom of looking for the crescent on the 29th day of a month to predict the onset of the next one.
After stargazing efforts, Saudi authorities have declared: “The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia – Dhul Hijjah 1446 begins tonight.”
Following this announcement, it was proclaimed that the Day of Arafah would be observed on June 5, and Eid ul Adha would commence on June 6.
Eid ul Adha, the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, is a three-day event beginning on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. It pays homage to the zeal and commitment exhibited by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) when he was tested with the command to sacrifice his son for God, but instead, through divine intervention, found himself sacrificing a ram, reports Birmingham Live.
Devotees undertake the ritual slaughter of livestock, ensuring a third of the meat goes to the poor and needy who might not have the means to take part in the celebration otherwise.
This sacred act known as Qurbani involves slaughtering an animal like a goat, sheep, cow, buffalo, or camel by the head of each family. In modern times, many fulfill their Qurbani through online contributions to charities tackling hunger in impoverished regions globally.
Eid ul Adha coincides with the third day of the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca that all fit adult Muslims are obliged to undertake at least once in their lifetime.
The Day of Arafah falls on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, just prior to Eid ul Adha. This day sees worshippers participating in a vigil in the vicinity of Mount Arafat and the adjoining Plain of Arafat.
Mount Arafat is renowned as the location where the Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon in the last year of his life, on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah in 632 AD.
Pilgrims congregate at this site to pray for absolution for all their sins committed in the previous year and the forthcoming year.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is a traditional practice. Those not partaking in the pilgrimage are also encouraged to fast to attain the same forgiveness.
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