Eid al Adha 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
When is Eid al Adha 2025?
Eid al Adha 2025, also known as Bakra Eid 2025, is expected to be celebrated on Friday, June 6, 2025. This date is tentative and depends on the moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.
What is Eid al Adha?
Eid al Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most significant Islamic holidays, commemorating the profound act of faith by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim was prepared to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (A.S.), to obey Allah’s command. However, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, signifying His mercy and approval of Ibrahim’s devotion. This event is mentioned in the Quran in Surah As-Saffat (37:102).
Muslims worldwide honor this momentous event by sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or camel, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah each year. The act symbolizes their devotion to Allah and is a form of worship that recalls the humility, submission, and faith of Prophet Ibrahim.
The significance of Eid al Adha is beautifully captured in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), who said:
“Allah has given you better than those feasts (festivals of non-believers): the Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr.” (An-Nasai: 1556)
Importance of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
Dhul Hijjah, one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar, is particularly revered because of the first 10 days, during which many important Islamic rituals take place. These days are regarded as the best of the year, as indicated in several Quranic verses and Hadiths.
- Virtue of the First 10 Days
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) emphasized the importance of doing good deeds during these days, stating:
“No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” (Sahih Bukhari: 969) - Fasting on the Day of Arafah
Fasting on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, is a confirmed Sunnah for those not performing Hajj. It is said to forgive sins of the previous and following year. (Ibn Majah: 1731) - Takbir of Tashriq
During the days of Tashriq (9th to 13th Dhul Hijjah), it is customary for Muslims to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after every obligatory prayer, beginning from the Fajr prayer on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah until the Asr prayer on the 13th.
The Ritual of Eid Prayer and Sunnahs
The Eid prayer is a key part of the Eid al Adha celebration, and Muslims are encouraged to follow the Sunnahs associated with it. Some of the recommended practices include:
- Waking up early and performing Ghusl (bath)
- Wearing your best clothes
- Going to the Eid prayer while reciting the Takbir loudly:
“Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allahu akbar laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaah akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd.”
(Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is due to Allah) - Eid prayer
Eid prayer is generally performed in congregation, consisting of two Rak’at (units), followed by a sermon (Khutbah). According to a Hadith, it is Sunnah for the congregation to listen to the sermon after the prayer.
Muslims greet each other with the phrase “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Eid,” after completing the prayer.
The Act of Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice)
The sacrifice of an animal during Eid al Adha, known as Qurbani, is one of the most cherished acts of worship in Islam. It symbolizes devotion to Allah and commemorates the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.).
Key Rules of Qurbani (Eid al Adha 2025)
- Timing: The sacrifice can only be made after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and must be completed by sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
- Eligible Animals: Animals eligible for sacrifice include camels, cows, sheep, and goats. Each family typically sacrifices one animal, although a camel or cow can be shared among seven people.
- Age and Health: Animals must meet specific age and health requirements. For instance, sheep should be at least six months old, while cows should be two years old.
- Dividing the Meat: According to Islamic tradition, the meat from the sacrificed animal should be divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and relatives, and one-third for the poor and needy.
The Prophet (S.A.W.) emphasized the importance of Qurbani, saying:
“Whoever can afford it [sacrifice], but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our prayer place.” (Ibn Majah: 3123)
Conclusion (Eid al Adha 2025)
Eid al Adha 2025 is a time of reflection, gratitude, and devotion for Muslims worldwide. It celebrates the values of sacrifice, humility, and submission to Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). Beyond the ritual of animal sacrifice, it is an opportunity to spread joy and share blessings with family, friends, and those in need.
As we prepare for this blessed occasion, let us remember the importance of charity, kindness, and gratitude, not just towards our fellow Muslims but all of humanity. May Allah accept our sacrifices and good deeds. Eid Mubarak!
References:
- Sahih Bukhari, Ibn Majah, An-Nasai, and other authentic Hadith sources
- The Holy Quran, Surah As-Saffat (37:102), Surah At Taubah (9:36), Surah Al-Fajr (89:1-2)
- https://www.islamicfinder.org/special-islamic-days/eid-al-adha-2024/
