By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Saudi Arabia has declared Friday, June 6, 2025, as the day for Eid-el-Adha, following the official sighting of the crescent moon that signals the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The announcement was made on Tuesday via Haramain Sharifain’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that Dhul Hijjah 1446 will begin on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
According to the statement, the Day of Arafah, which falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah and is considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, will be observed on Thursday, June 5. The Eid-el-Adha celebration will follow on Friday, June 6.
Eid-el-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant observances in Islam. It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) unwavering obedience to God, marked by his willingness to sacrifice his son.
The festival is celebrated by Muslims worldwide with congregational prayers, acts of charity, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock.
The announcement also included a traditional pilgrimage chant, known as the Talbiyah, recited by pilgrims entering the state of ihram:
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk. Innal hamda, wannimata, laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”
(“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You, and You have no partner.”)
This year’s declaration allows Muslims around the world to align their spiritual and logistical preparations ahead of the holy period, especially those undertaking the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
In 2024, Saudi authorities declared Eid-el-Adha on June 16.
