Eid-ul-Adha 2025 Moon Sighting: When Will Saudi Arabia Celebrate Bakrid?

The countdown to Eid-ul-Adha 2025 is intensifying across the Muslim world, with eyes turning skyward in anticipation of the new moon that marks the start of Dhu al-Hijjah. Known as the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid-ul-Adha is one of Islam’s most significant festivals, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son. This year, the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia holds special weight as it sets the date not only for Eid but also for the Hajj pilgrimage—drawing millions of Muslims into collective observance.

Eid ul Adha Moon Sighting Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know

The moon sighting for Eid-ul-Adha 2025 in Saudi Arabia is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, May 27. The country’s Supreme Court has issued a call to Muslims and astronomical observers to look for the crescent moon that signals the start of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. The actual date of Eid will be determined based on whether the moon is spotted on this date.

If the crescent moon is seen on May 27, Dhu al-Hijjah will begin on Wednesday, May 28. In this scenario, the Day of Arafat would fall on Thursday, June 5, and Eid-ul-Adha would be celebrated on Friday, June 6, 2025. However, if the moon remains unseen, the month will start on May 29, pushing Eid to Saturday, June 7.

Why the Moon Sighting Matters for Eid and Hajj

The significance of the Dhu al-Hijjah crescent extends beyond religious symbolism—it sets the rhythm for the Hajj pilgrimage, culminating on the Day of Arafat. For pilgrims and observers alike, aligning their rituals and celebrations hinges entirely on this lunar observation. As Saudi Arabia is the heart of the Islamic world and the host of Hajj, its moon sighting typically guides global celebrations.

The Supreme Court has encouraged witnesses to testify about the crescent moon sighting, either through visual observation or aided by binoculars. Their testimonies help establish a religious consensus on the month’s start, ensuring unified celebrations and pilgrimage activities.

Moon Sighting and Eid-ul-Adha Celebrations Around the World

While Saudi Arabia leads with its announcement, moon sighting dates vary by geography. Countries like the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and others in the Middle East are expected to observe the crescent moon on the same night—May 27. South Asian nations including India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia will likely conduct their own moon sighting on Wednesday, May 28.

Accordingly, Eid-ul-Adha 2025 in India and Pakistan could be celebrated on either June 7 or 8, depending on the local moon sighting. This staggered observance highlights the traditional Islamic practice of local lunar confirmations, even in an age of global connectivity.

Key Dates to Watch

• Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia: May 27, 2025 (Tuesday)
• Start of Dhu al-Hijjah: May 28, 2025 (Wednesday) if moon sighted
• Arafat Day: June 5, 2025 (Thursday)
• Eid-ul-Adha: June 6 or June 7, 2025

The Cultural and Religious Essence of Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha is rooted in the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah, where he prepares to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience. At the last moment, Allah provides a ram to be sacrificed instead. Muslims around the world honor this story through the ritual slaughter of livestock, sharing meat with the needy, family, and friends.

In Saudi Arabia, the celebration is marked by public holidays typically lasting three to four days. Festivities include special prayers at mosques, wearing new clothes, large family meals, and extensive charitable giving. The ritual slaughter is conducted according to Islamic law and distributed across communities.

Global Observance: Unity in Diversity

Despite geographical and cultural differences, the essence of Eid-ul-Adha remains consistent—an expression of faith, sacrifice, and communal harmony. Whether it’s in Riyadh, Karachi, Delhi, or Jakarta, the shared act of observing the crescent moon and celebrating the festival builds a spiritual bridge among Muslim communities worldwide.

As the moon-sighting day draws near, anticipation runs high. Families prepare for feasts, pilgrims gear up for Hajj, and millions turn their attention to the skies. The final word from the Saudi Supreme Court will soon set the tone for this grand Islamic celebration.

Eid ul Adha moon sighting Saudi Arabia isn’t just an astronomical event—it’s a spiritual signal echoing across continents, aligning hearts and rituals in a shared devotion to faith and sacrifice.

FAQs on Eid-ul-Adha 2025 and Moon Sighting

When is the Eid ul Adha moon sighting in Saudi Arabia in 2025?

The moon sighting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025. If the crescent moon is seen, Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on Friday, June 6, 2025.

Why does the moon sighting determine Eid dates?

The Islamic calendar is lunar-based. Eid dates depend on the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic month Dhu al-Hijjah.

Will Eid-ul-Adha 2025 be celebrated on the same day worldwide?

Not necessarily. Countries like India and Pakistan rely on local moon sightings, so the date may vary—either June 7 or 8, 2025.

What is the significance of the Day of Arafat?

It is the holiest day in Islam, observed with fasting and prayers. It occurs a day before Eid and is a key event during Hajj.

How is Eid-ul-Adha celebrated in Saudi Arabia?

It includes mosque prayers, animal sacrifice, festive meals, wearing new clothes, and acts of charity. Public holidays span 3–4 days.