When Is Eid Adha? The answer lies in the Islamic lunar calendar and the sighting of the new moon. Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic year, and its exact Gregorian date changes annually because the lunar calendar shifts about ten to eleven days earlier each year.
The beginning of Dhul Hijjah is confirmed through moon sighting, as indicated in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:189), making the date dependent on verified crescent visibility rather than a fixed solar schedule. Eid al-Adha is directly connected to Hajj, with the 9th of Dhul Hijjah marking the Day of ‘Arafah and the 10th celebrated globally as the Day of Sacrifice.
Differences between countries usually arise due to varying moon-sighting methods. Understanding when Eid Adha occurs helps Muslims prepare spiritually for the first ten blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, increase worship, fast on ‘Arafah, and welcome Eid with clarity, unity, and gratitude.
When Is Eid Adha?
One of the most frequently asked questions as the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah approach each year is: When is Eid Adha? The answer, while simple on the surface, is rooted in the Islamic lunar calendar, the sighting of the moon, and the rites of Hajj. Understanding when Eid Adha occurs requires clarity in both astronomy and sacred law.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar and fixed, the Islamic calendar shifts approximately ten to eleven days earlier each year. Therefore, the date of Eid Adha changes annually in relation to the Western calendar.
Over more than twenty years of teaching Qur’an and Fiqh, I have consistently emphasized to students that determining when Eid Adha occurs is not based on cultural preference or convenience. It is determined by the confirmed beginning of Dhul Hijjah.
The Islamic Lunar Calendar and Moon Sighting
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. Allah says:
يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْأَهِلَّةِ قُلْ هِيَ مَوَاقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَالْحَجِّ
“They ask you about the new moons. Say: They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:189)
This verse establishes that lunar phases determine sacred times, including Hajj and Eid Adha. The beginning of Dhul Hijjah is confirmed by the sighting of the new crescent moon. Once the moon is sighted, the next day becomes the 1st of Dhul Hijjah, and Eid Adha will fall on the 10th day thereafter.
Thus, Eid Adha cannot be fixed permanently to a Gregorian date. It depends upon the lunar calendar.
The Connection Between Hajj and Eid Adha
Eid Adha is directly linked to the rites of Hajj. The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of ‘Arafah — the most important day of Hajj — and the 10th of Dhul Hijjah is the day of sacrifice and Eid.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Hajj is ‘Arafah.”
— Sunan Abu Dawud 1949; Jami at-Tirmidhi 889 (authentic)
The pilgrims stand on the plain of ‘Arafah on the 9th. The following day, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid Adha, even those not performing Hajj. This unity of timing reflects the global nature of the Ummah.
Why Dates Differ Between Countries
A common question arises: Why does Eid Adha sometimes fall on different days in different countries?
This difference usually stems from varying moon-sighting methods. Some communities rely strictly on local sighting; others accept confirmed sighting from other regions; some follow astronomical calculations. These differences have existed since early Islamic history.
In my years of teaching Fiqh, I have encouraged students to follow the recognized authority of their local scholars or national moon-sighting committee. Unity within a community is often more important than debating global uniformity.
The Day of Eid Adha: 10th of Dhul Hijjah
Once Dhul Hijjah begins, counting ten days leads to Eid Adha. The first nine days are among the most virtuous days of the year.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 969
These are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, culminating in Eid Adha on the tenth day.
The Significance of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is also known as Yawm an-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice). On this day:
- Pilgrims perform the sacrifice in Mina.
- Muslims worldwide perform Qurbani.
- The Eid prayer is offered.
- Takbeer is proclaimed loudly.
Allah says:
فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ
“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.”
(Surah Al-Kawthar 108:2)
This verse connects the Eid prayer and sacrifice, both performed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
How to Know When Eid Adha Is This Year
To determine when Eid Adha occurs in any given year:
- Confirm the beginning of Dhul Hijjah via reliable moon-sighting authorities.
- Count ten days.
- The 10th day is Eid Adha.
Because the Islamic year is shorter than the Gregorian year, Eid Adha rotates through all seasons over time. Over two decades of teaching, I have witnessed Eid celebrated in intense summer heat and in cool winter mornings — a reminder of Islam’s universality beyond seasonal boundaries.
The Sunnah of Announcing Eid
During the time of the Prophet ﷺ, the sighting of the moon was announced publicly. Communities would gather for Eid prayer the following morning.
Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah (رضي الله عنه) reported:
“The Prophet ﷺ would go out on the Day of Eid and begin with the prayer.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 956
The clarity of timing ensured communal unity.
What If the Moon Is Not Sighted?
If the crescent moon is not sighted on the 29th of Dhul Qa‘dah, the month is completed as 30 days. This principle is derived from the Prophet’s ﷺ statement:
“Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it. If it is obscured from you, then complete thirty days.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1909; Sahih Muslim 1081
Although this Hadith addresses Ramadan, the principle applies to all lunar months.
The Relationship Between ‘Arafah and Eid Adha
For non-pilgrims, fasting on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of ‘Arafah) is highly recommended.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
— Sahih Muslim 1162
The next day, the 10th, fasting becomes prohibited because it is Eid. Thus, knowing when Eid Adha is also determines when fasting must stop.
Global Awareness in the Modern Era
Today, announcements regarding Eid Adha are made through official religious councils, ministries of Islamic affairs, and recognized scholars. At Tarteel E Quran Online Academy, we encourage students to rely on credible sources rather than social media speculation.
Accurate knowledge prevents confusion and ensures unity in worship.
The Spiritual Dimension of Knowing the Date
Understanding when Eid Adha occurs is not simply a matter of marking a calendar. It prepares the believer spiritually. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are a season of intensified worship — fasting, charity, Takbeer, repentance, and preparation for sacrifice.
By knowing when Eid Adha will fall, the believer can plan to maximize these blessed days.
A Reflection from Years of Teaching
Over the years, I have noticed that those who understand the sacred calendar live more consciously. They anticipate Dhul Hijjah, increase their worship in the first ten days, fast on ‘Arafah, and greet Eid Adha with gratitude rather than surprise.
When the moon of Dhul Hijjah is sighted, the believer does not merely ask, “When is Eid Adha?” Rather, he asks, “How can I prepare my heart for the days that lead to it?”
Eid Adha arrives every year on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah — but its spiritual impact depends entirely on how well we prepare for its coming.
FAQ Answers
Q1: What is the date of Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Zil Hajj (Dhul Hijjah) in the Islamic calendar.
The exact Gregorian date changes every year because the Islamic calendar is lunar. Eid al-Adha depends on the moon sighting and is linked to the completion of Hajj rituals in Makkah.
Q2: What is the expected date of Eid-ul-Adha 2025?
The expected date of Eid-ul-Adha 2025 was June 7, 2025 (in Pakistan).
However, Islamic holidays like Eid al-Adha are confirmed only after the official moon sighting announcement. Dates may vary slightly between countries.
Q3: Is Eid on June 6 or 7?
For Pakistan in 2025, Eid al-Adha was on June 7.
Some countries observed it on June 6 due to earlier moon sightings. Islamic dates can differ globally based on regional moon confirmation.
Q4: On which date of Zil Hajj is Eid?
Eid al-Adha is always on the 10th of Zil Hajj.
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah marks the day after the Day of Arafah and is when Qurbani (sacrifice) begins.
Q5: Is 9th Zil Hajj Day of Arafah?
Yes, the 9th of Zil Hajj is the Day of Arafah.
It is one of the most important days in Islam, especially for pilgrims performing Hajj. Fasting on this day is highly recommended for those not performing Hajj.
Q6: Is June 6, 2025 a holiday in Pakistan?
No, June 6, 2025 was not an official Eid public holiday in Pakistan.
Public holidays for Eid al-Adha 2025 in Pakistan started from June 7.
Q7: Is tomorrow June 6, 2025 a holiday?
In Pakistan, June 6, 2025 was not an official public holiday for Eid.
The government holidays began the following day, depending on official notification.
Q8: When was Eid confirmed?
Eid is confirmed after the official moon sighting announcement.
In Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announces Eid after verifying the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon. Confirmation typically happens on the 29th of Zil Qadah.
Q9: Is June 6 a public holiday?
For Eid al-Adha 2025 in Pakistan, June 6 was not a public holiday.
The official Eid holidays were observed from June 7 onward.
Q10: Which year has 2 Eid?
Every Islamic year has two Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
However, some Gregorian years (like 2030) may have two Eid al-Fitr celebrations because the Islamic lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar.
Q11: Is Eid 2025 confirmed?
Yes, Eid al-Adha 2025 was officially confirmed after moon sighting.
In Pakistan, it was observed beginning June 7, 2025.
Q12: Is Eid on 6th or 7th?
In Pakistan for 2025, Eid al-Adha was on June 7.
Other countries may have celebrated on June 6 due to regional moon sightings.
