Eid al-Adha 2025: Complete Guide on the Festival of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid el-Kébir (the Great Festival), is one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar. In 2025, this solemn holiday will take place from June 6 to June 10.
This celebration commemorates the absolute submission of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to the divine will and carries profound spiritual teachings for Muslims around the world.
This guide presents all the essential aspects to understand and properly prepare for this major celebration.
Meaning and Foundations of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha originates from the story of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), recounted in the Noble Quran. When God ordered him to sacrifice his son Ismail, Ibrahim, despite his pain, accepted to submit to this trial out of obedience. At the moment of sacrifice, God substituted a sheep for his son, thus rewarding Ibrahim's unwavering faith.
This celebration recalls three fundamental principles:
- Total submission to the divine will (Islam)
- The sacrifice of self and worldly attachments
- Generosity and sharing with the less fortunate
Unlike Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha is linked to the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) and is accompanied by an animal sacrifice ritual, symbolizing that of Ibrahim.
Calendar and Key Dates of Eid al-Adha 2025
In 2025, the important dates associated with Eid al-Adha are:
| Event | Date | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Day of Arafat | June 5, 2025 | Climax of Hajj, day of forgiveness and intense prayers |
| First day of Eid | June 6, 2025 | Collective prayer and start of sacrifices |
| Days of Tachriq | June 7-10, 2025 | Additional days of celebration and commemoration |
The determination of these dates may vary slightly depending on the countries and methods adopted:
- Lunar observation method: mainly used in Maghreb and Middle Eastern countries
- Astronomical calculations: mainly adopted in Europe and North America
It is always recommended to check the official announcements of your country or local community for confirmation of the dates.
The Ritual Sacrifice: Rules and Conditions
The sacrifice of an animal (Qurbani or Udhiya) is the central ritual of Aïd al-Adha. This symbolic act recalls Ibrahim's submission and represents an act of worship towards God.
Conditions related to sacrificial animals
Not all animals are eligible for sacrifice. Here are the essential criteria to respect:
| Animal | Minimum age | Forbidden defects |
|---|---|---|
| Sheep/Ewe | 1 year | Obvious illness, severe lameness |
| Goat | 1 year | Cut ear, broken horn |
| Cow/Bull | 2 years | Blindness, excessive thinness |
| Camel | 5 years | Visible disability, illness |
The animal must be healthy, without major defects, in accordance with prophetic teachings. For more information on the legal aspects of the sacrifice, consult our reference works on fiqh and ritual obligations.
Sharing the meat
The sacrifice meat must be divided into three equal parts:
- For the family : one third intended for the household
- For relatives and friends : one third given as gifts
- For the needy : one third distributed to people in need
This fair sharing strengthens the spirit of solidarity and allows the less fortunate to participate in the festivities.
Course of the Day of Eid al-Adha
The celebration of Eid al-Adha follows a particular program, rooted in prophetic tradition:
The Eid morning
- Preparation : Performing ablutions, wearing nice clothes (preferably new) and applying perfume
- Takbir : Reciting the phrases glorifying Allah (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi-l-hamd) on the way to the prayer
- Collective prayer : Participation in the special Eid prayer, usually performed early in the morning in congregation
- Sermon (Khutbah) : Attentive listening to the sermon that recalls the meaning of this celebration
The sacrifice and the festivities
- Sacrifice : Performing the sacrifice according to Islamic rules, after the prayer
- Family meal : Sharing a festive meal, often prepared with part of the sacrifice meat
- Visiting relatives: Time devoted to family visits and maintaining kinship ties
- Distribution to the needy: Sharing meat with people in need
To understand more deeply the spiritual meaning of these rituals, you can consult our books on the pillars of Islam which explain in detail the meaning of each practice.
Modern adaptations and regional practices
The celebrations of Aïd al-Adha vary considerably according to regions and cultural contexts:
Regional particularities
- Maghreb: Lively sheep markets in the days preceding Aïd, traditional preparation of méchoui
- Middle East: Preparation of "mansaf" (Jordan) or "mandi" (Arabian Peninsula)
- Turkey: Decoration of animals before the sacrifice, distribution of sweets to children
- South Asia: Elaborate rituals of meat preparation and exchange of dishes among neighbors
Contemporary adaptations
In Western countries and urban contexts, several adaptations have become common:
- Delegation of the sacrifice: Many Muslims delegate the sacrifice to authorized farms or associations
- Monetary donations: Alternative allowing to finance a sacrifice in countries where needs are greater
- Environmental concerns: Development of waste management systems and more ecological approaches
To discover the different ways of celebrating Aïd around the world, browse our collection of books on Islamic holidays that offer an overview of global traditions.
Comparison between Aïd al-Adha and Aïd al-Fitr
It is important to distinguish the two major Islamic holidays which have significant differences:
| Aspect | Aïd al-Adha | Aïd al-Fitr |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days | 1-3 days |
| Main ritual | Animal sacrifice (Qurbani) | Special alms (Zakat al-Fitr) |
| Context | Related to Hajj (pilgrimage) | End of the month of Ramadan |
| Commemoration | Sacrifice of Ibrahim | Fasting fulfillment |
These two celebrations, although distinct, share common elements such as the special prayer, family gatherings, and the importance of charity.
Practical Tips for Aïd al-Adha 2025
To fully experience this celebration, here are some practical recommendations:
Preparation before Aïd
- Acquisition of the animal : If you plan a sacrifice, buy the animal at least two weeks in advance and check that it meets Islamic criteria
- Family preparations : Purchase new clothes, prepare the house, plan visits
- Organization of the sharing : Provide containers for the distribution of the meat and establish a list of beneficiaries
Involvement of children
Eid is an excellent opportunity to educate children about Islamic values:
- Explain Ibrahim's story in a way appropriate to their age
- Involve them in decorations and preparations
- Give them gifts (Eidi) to mark this special occasion
- Involve them in distributing to the needy to develop their sense of sharing
To help your children understand this important celebration, discover our selection of children's books that explain Ibrahim's story and the meaning of Eid.
Spiritual Dimension of Eid al-Adha
Beyond the visible rituals, Eid al-Adha has a profound spiritual dimension that should be meditated upon:
Spiritual teachings
- Unconditional submission: Ibrahim's story reminds us of the importance of total submission to the divine will, even in the face of the most difficult trials
- Material detachment: The sacrifice symbolizes our ability to detach from what is dear to us to please God
- Social solidarity: Sharing meat strengthens community bonds and reminds us of our responsibility towards the less fortunate
This festival invites us to reflect on our own level of submission to God in our daily lives and to strengthen our awareness of His presence and His commandments.
Conclusion
Eid al-Adha, with its rich rituals and deep significance, represents much more than a simple annual celebration. It is a special moment to revive our faith, strengthen our family and community bonds, and meditate on the fundamental values of Islam: submission to God, generosity, and sacrifice.
As we prepare for Eid al-Adha 2025, let us take the time to reflect on the true meaning of this celebration and how we can embody its teachings in our daily lives.
At Al-Imen, your reference Muslim bookstore since 1982, we are happy to accompany you on your spiritual journey and already wish you a Blessed Eid for 2025.
Note: The dates mentioned in this article are based on astronomical forecasts and may vary slightly depending on lunar observations and official announcements from Islamic authorities in your country.