Eid date to vary by country as crescent moon marks start of Dhul Hijjah lunar month
As Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah is key to determining the festival date. Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakri-Eid or the Festival of Sacrifice, honors Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God and is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The moon sighting has begun in several countries, signaling the start of Dhul Hijjah and setting the stage for Eid celebrations, which depend on moon visibility in each region, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Saudi Arabia confirms Eid-ul-Adha on June 6, 2025, with moon sighting on May 27
According to Al Arabiya English and Gulf News, the crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia on the night of Tuesday, May 27, 2025. This officially marked the start of Dhul Hijjah on Wednesday, May 28.
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The Day of Arafah falls on Thursday, June 5, and Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on Friday, June 6, 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s lunar calendar relies strictly on actual moon sightings, and its announcements typically influence other Gulf nations.
UAE aligns Eid date with Saudi Arabia following same moon sighting
The UAE’s moon-sighting committee also observed the crescent on May 27, confirming Eid-ul-Adha for Friday, June 6, 2025, in the country. The UAE traditionally follows Saudi Arabia’s lunar calendar decisions, with public holiday announcements issued soon after the moon sighting.
India’s Eid date depends on local moon sighting, likely June 7 or 8
In India, moon sightings are done locally, and the crescent of Dhul Hijjah is usually sighted a day later than in Saudi Arabia due to geographic differences. An attempt will be made to sight the moon on the night of Wednesday, May 28, 2025. If the moon is spotted, Dhul Hijjah will begin on May 29, and Eid will be celebrated on Saturday, June 7. If the crescent is not visible, Dhul Qadah will complete 30 days, pushing Eid to Sunday, June 8. Regional moon-sighting committees will make official announcements to guide celebrations.
Moon sighting remains a vital Islamic tradition that marks the start and end of months in the lunar calendar. Variations in sighting times due to geography and time zones explain why Eid dates differ across countries.
With confirmed moon sightings in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Eid-ul-Adha preparations are underway, including the purchase of sacrificial animals, cooking traditional meals, and organizing communal prayers. Indian Muslims await local announcements after May 28 to finalize their celebration dates.