Eid Al Adha 2025: Anticipated to Begin on Friday, June 6
As anticipation builds among Muslims worldwide, the Eid Al Adha 2025 date is expected to fall on Friday, June 6, based on astronomical predictions by the International Astronomical Centre (IAC) and regional experts.
According to the IAC, the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah is likely to be visible on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. If the moon is sighted, then Wednesday, May 28, will officially mark the first day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This would place Arafat Day on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6.
Crescent Moon Sighting: A Key Indicator
Engineer Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, Director of the IAC, explained that the crescent moon will be visible by telescope from regions such as Central and Western Asia, Africa, and Europe, and in some parts of the Americas, even to the naked eye. However, visibility depends on several factors, including the moon’s angular distance from the sun and its height above the horizon.
In Abu Dhabi, for example, the moon is predicted to set 38 minutes after sunset, with an age of 13 hours and 29 minutes and an angular distance of 7.7 degrees from the sun. Similarly, in Makkah, the moon will set 39 minutes after sunset, aged 14 hours and 17 minutes, and be 8.1 degrees away from the sun—making it a potential candidate for sighting with telescopes.
Alternative Scenario: If Moon Is Not Sighted
If the moon isn’t seen on May 27, Dhul Hijjah will start on Thursday, May 29, making Arafat Day fall on June 6, and Eid Al Adha begin on Saturday, June 7. In either case, Muslims will be observing Eid Al Adha 2025 in the first week of June.
UAE Eid Al Adha 2025 Holidays: Long Weekend Ahead
According to the UAE Cabinet’s public holiday resolution, Arafah Day (Dhul Hijjah 9) will be observed as a holiday, followed by three days of Eid Al Adha celebrations (Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12). This gives UAE residents a four-day break, either from June 5 to June 8 or June 6 to June 9, depending on the final moon sighting.
This long weekend provides a perfect opportunity for family gatherings, travel, and spiritual reflection as Muslims commemorate the Feast of Sacrifice, which honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
Expert Insight from Ibrahim Al Jarwan
Astronomy expert Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, echoed IAC’s forecast. He affirmed that based on astronomical calculations, Dhul Hijjah will likely begin on May 28, which aligns Eid Al Adha with June 6, 2025.
Al Jarwan, also a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, has consistently emphasized the role of modern astronomical tools in enhancing the accuracy of Islamic event forecasts, while still respecting traditional moon sighting practices.
Final Thoughts
Whether Eid Al Adha 2025 falls on June 6 or June 7, Muslims across the globe are preparing for a significant spiritual occasion marked by prayers, charity, and unity. As we await the official moon sighting, keep an eye on announcements from your country’s religious and astronomical authorities for confirmed dates.
May this upcoming Eid bring peace, blessings, and joy to all.