In joyful anticipation of Eid al-Adha 2025, the Government of Kuwait has announced an extended public holiday from Thursday, June 5, to Monday, June 9. This special announcement was made during a recent Cabinet meeting led by Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah.
The five-day holiday will apply to all government bodies and public institutions, with normal operations resuming on Tuesday, June 10. However, the Cabinet has also acknowledged the needs of workplaces with non-traditional schedules. Sectors that operate outside of the typical 9-to-5 structure have been granted flexibility to determine their own holiday schedules, ensuring that both public service and religious observance can go hand in hand.
Spiritual Significance of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also called the Festival of Sacrifice, is among the most sacred Islamic festivals. It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) unwavering faith and readiness to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) in obedience to God’s command. Before the sacrifice could take place, God provided a ram to be offered instead—symbolizing divine mercy and the virtue of submission to the Creator.
The celebration begins on the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025, and will continue until Tuesday, June 10. The days are marked by special congregational prayers, the ritual sacrifice (Qurbani) of animals like sheep, goats, or cows, and the sharing of meat among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
Eid al-Adha coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, another spiritual milestone in the Islamic calendar. The Day of Arafat, which falls on Thursday, June 5, is observed with fasting and reflection by Muslims around the globe, especially by those who are not able to perform Hajj.
Dhu al-Hijjah and the Lunar Calendar
Eid al-Adha 2025 public holiday. This year, the crescent moon marking the start of Dhu al-Hijjah is expected to be visible on May 27, making May 28 the official start of the Islamic month. Dhu al-Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds deep spiritual importance, especially for pilgrims and practicing Muslims preparing for Eid.
With the holiday announcement, families across Kuwait can begin planning their Eid celebrations, charitable acts, and community gatherings, embracing the values of faith, sacrifice, generosity, and unity that define this blessed time.