Eid al-Adha 2025 & Hajj Guide: What Muslim Travellers Need to Know

As summer begins to bloom in June 2025, Muslim travellers around the world are preparing for one of the most sacred moments in the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. Whether planning to perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia or celebrating Eid with family in the United States or elsewhere, this time of year holds deep meaning and offers a unique opportunity to connect with faith, community, and culture.

Also read: Ultimate Guide to Hajj And Umrah 2025: Essential Tips For First-Time Pilgrims

When is Eid al-Adha 2025?

In 2025, Eid al-Adha will begin at sunset on Friday, 6 Jun, and end on the evening of Saturday, 7 Jun in the United States. These dates align closely with those observed in Saudi Arabia, where the Hajj pilgrimage—one of the five pillars of Islam—will also take place.

For Muslim travellers, this means it's time to start planning early, especially for those considering a spiritual journey to Makkah. It's also a great opportunity to discover how different communities around the world come together to mark this holy occasion.

Celebrating Eid al-Adha around the world

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No matter the country or continent, Eid al-Adha is a deeply unifying event in the global Muslim experience. The central theme of the festival—Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah—is commemorated with the ritual of Qurbani and acts of charity.

1) Asia

From the bustling cities of Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Dhaka to the rural villages of Pakistan and India, Muslims gather early in the morning for Eid prayers in mosques and open fields. Families then return home to perform Qurbani, share meat with the needy, and enjoy traditional dishes like biryani, rendang, and ketupat.

2) Africa

In places like Cairo, Nairobi, Lagos, and Cape Town, Eid is marked by community prayers, lively market visits, and generous charitable giving. Many families dress in vibrant traditional clothes and host guests with warm hospitality and festive feasts.

3) Europe

Across the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Muslim communities celebrate Eid al-Adha with large public gatherings in parks, Eid bazaars, and interfaith events. Local mosques often arrange Qurbani services, and halal butchers prepare special Eid cuts in advance.

4) Middle East

In Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and Qatar, Eid takes on both spiritual and cultural significance. After Eid prayers, families gather for meals featuring traditional dishes like kabsa and mansaf. In Saudi Arabia, Eid also marks the culmination of Hajj, making it particularly special.

5) Americas & Australia

From Toronto to Sydney, Buenos Aires to Los Angeles, Muslim communities come together in parks, community centres, and masjids for prayers and Eid gatherings. Qurbani is often arranged through registered halal services, and cultural diversity brings together Eid traditions from all over the Muslim world.

Planning for Hajj 2025: Dates & highlights

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For those planning the ultimate journey of faith, Hajj 2025 is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, 4 Jun to Monday, 9 Jun. Performing Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially capable, and it’s a trip that requires thorough preparation—spiritually and logistically.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key rituals of Hajj 2025:

• Day of Tarwiyah (4 Jun): Pilgrims head to Mina, a small village outside Makkah, where they spend the night in prayer.

• Day of Arafah (5 Jun): Arguably the most spiritually intense day, pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafah for hours of dua (supplication) and reflection. It’s the climax of Hajj and a time for seeking forgiveness.

• Eid al-Adha (6 Jun): Pilgrims perform the Qurbani and continue their rituals in Mina, such as the symbolic stoning of the devil.

• Days of Tashreeq (7–9 Jun): The final days of Hajj involve repeated stoning rituals and continued worship.

For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah (5 Jun) is highly recommended and spiritually rewarding. Travellers can still observe this day in meaningful ways—whether in a quiet prayer space in their hotel room or at a local mosque.

Also read: Masjid al-Nabawi Introduces Digital Maps to Check Prayer Space Availability

Final thoughts: A time of reflection and reconnection

Whether you're standing among millions on the plains of Arafah or enjoying Eid sweets with newfound friends abroad, Eid al-Adha 2025 is a time to reconnect—with your faith, your community, and yourself. For Muslim travellers, it’s a chance to experience Islam’s global tapestry firsthand and find meaning in every destination.

So wherever this Eid takes you—may it be filled with peace, gratitude, and memorable moments.

Eid Mubarak and safe travels!