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ABC News
02-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
When is Eid al-Adha in 2025? How is it different to Eid al-Fitr?
Followers of the Islamic faith are set to gather around the country on Friday for one of the biggest holidays on the religion's calendar. Here's why you can expect quite a few barbecues this weekend. The Day of Arafah is on Thursday, June 5. That means Eid al-Adha is on Friday, June 6. That's according to a declaration made by the Grand Mufti of Australia, Ibrahim Abu Mohamad. Eid al-Adha always falls on the 10th day of Thul-Hijjah (also spelt Dhu'l-Hijja), which is the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. Yep, last year Eid al-Adha was on Saturday, June 16. Because the Islamic calendar doesn't exactly align with the Gregorian calender. There's a difference of about 10 to 12 days between the two. The Gregorian calendar — the one that tells us today is Tuesday, June 3 — is based on the Earth's movement around the Sun. But the Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the Moon. Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, it's a feast day where followers of the Muslim faith gather to celebrate. It's one of the most important days on the Islamic calendar, according to the Australian National Immans Council (ANIC). "The festival honours the profound act of faith shown by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command," the council says. "It is a time for deep spiritual reflection, prayer and connection with community." In the days leading up to Eid al-Adha, Muslims reflect on their willingness to give up their personal desires and harmful habits, the council says. People mark the day in their own ways, but a barbecue is a pretty common way to celebrate Eid al-Adha in Australia. That's because the holiday involves a ritual sacrifice of livestock for meat. "The Arabic word Udhiya refers to the act of sacrificing an animal to eat, such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, as a symbol of devotion and submission to God," the council says. "Traditionally, a family who chose to slaughter an animal divide its meat into three portions; family, friends and those in need." And so this often means people gather in the backyard, parks or the beach to have a barbecue. But it's not just a social gathering. "The Udhiya is not a compulsory act of worship in Islam, however, it is highly recommended for those who are financially able, as it reflects the spirit of sacrifice, generosity and care for others," ANIC says. "In Australia, where slaughtering animals is only permitted by licensed abattoirs, many Muslims choose to donate to charitable organisations that carry out the Udhiya overseas. "The meat is then distributed to those in need, ensuring that the spirit of giving and community remains at the heart of the celebration." Islamic communities in some areas will put on an Eid festival, which is a bit like a local show and often means food stalls, rides and entertainment. People will also mark the occasion by giving gifts, wearing their best clothes and eating sweets. Prayer is also a big part of the day for practisers of the Muslim faith. Followers will gather in mosques or sometimes parks or community centres to take part in a special prayer called Salat al-Eid. At its core, it's a religious holiday for Muslims. However, it's also something of a cultural tradition too — meaning non-practising Muslims and people outside the faith might have similar celebrations around this time too. "The way the day is observed often reflects a blend of cultural traditions and family customs," the council says. "At the heart of it, however, are core Islamic practices that provide the spiritual foundation and shape how those traditions are expressed." Depending on where you are in the world, people might celebrate with slight different traditions. "Many cultures spend a few days in the lead up to Eid baking and making all kinds of traditional desserts," ANIC says. "For example ma'amoul (date-filled cookies) in the Middle East, gulab jamun (a sweet fried dough) in south Asia, or baklava in parts of the Mediterranean." Yep, but that was a different holiday. Eid means "feast" or "festival" is Arabic. On the Islamic calendar, there are two holidays with the word "Eid" in the name: And Eid al-Fitr was back in March. Often people might just say "Eid" for short when referring to either of the two holidays — which can lead to people getting the two mixed up. "[They're] celebrated in similar ways, with communal prayers, festive meals, and time spent with family and friends," ANIC says. "What sets them apart is their purpose. "Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. "Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice in obedience to God."
LBCI
27-05-2025
- General
- LBCI
Saudi Arabia announces Eid al-Adha on June 6
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. As a result, Eid al-Adha will be observed on Friday, June 6, with the Day of Arafah on Thursday, June 5.
