EID UL-ADHA 2025

Why Does Eid ul-Adha's Date Change Each Year?

The key dates in the Islamic calendar change by around 10 days each year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles and lunar calendar tends to be 10-11 days shorter than solar calendar. As a result, Eid ul-Adha, Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, and other major events have different dates every year.

Why Muslims Celebrate Eid ul-Adha

Eid ul-Adha commemorates the noble events from the life of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It is a blessing of Allah (SWT) for believers that they have been granted a joyous occasion when they can earn His pleasure by participating in Qurbani and other Sunnah acts. The Prophet (SAW) said about Eid when asked about the previous festivals of Madina:

“Allah has given you two days better than these, the day of al-Fitr and the day of al-Adha.”

[Abu Dawud, 1134]

In submission to Allah (SWT), the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) offered the sacrifice of his beloved son, Ismael. The believers offer the Qurbani of an animal every year in Dhul Hijjah to honour his sacrifice and to please Allah (SWT) by following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allah (SWT) says about Qurbani in the Quran:

"Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus, have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and give good tidings to the doers of good."

(Surah Al-Haj 22:37)

How to Observe the Eid ul-Adha Festival

During the festival of Eid ul-Adha, Muslims across the world come together to celebrate the blessed occasion. Keeping with the Sunnah tradition, the believers take a bath in the morning, use perfume and dress in their finest clothes to perform Eid prayer in congregation. Eid prayer is followed by greetings, Qurbani, and a hearty meal shared with family and friends. The Prophet (SAW) said about celebrating this Eid:

“The day of Arafah, the day of Sacrifice, and the days of Tashriq are our festival, us Muslims, and they are days of eating and drinking.” [Tirmidhi, 773]

Eid ul-Adha and Qurbani 

Qurbani is the act of sacrificing a Halal animal, which represents the ram that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) sacrificed in the name of Allah (SWT) on Mount Arafah. 

Permissible animals for Qurbani are as follows:

• Sheep (at least one-year-old) – one share 
• Goats (at least one-year-old) – one share 
• Cows (at least two-years-old) – seven shares 
• Camels (at least five-years-old) – seven shares 

Everyone who gives Qurbani in the UK must provide at least one share. All Qurbani animals have a set number of shares. A single sheep or goat equals one person’s share, whereas larger animals (cows, camels, etc.) have seven shares. This means that up to seven Muslims can contribute towards the cost of a large animal in order to fulfil their Qurbani obligations. 

You can find out more in our Qurbani FAQs, which cover the most common questions on this important part of the Eid ul-Adha 2025 celebrations. 

In accordance with Qurbani rules, the meat from animal is divided into three parts. One portion is kept for personal use, another is gifted to family and friends, and the third portion is given in charity. On the blessed occasion of Eida ul-Adha, your Qurbani donations can make a difference. Support UKIM in alleviating global hunger by feeding the most vulnerable and needy across the world this Eid ul-Adha.

Qurbani with UK Islamic Mission

In the UK, many Muslims choose to donate their Qurbani to a charitable organisation. UK Islamic Mission is a global charity that accepts Qurbani donations and offers sacrifice where it is needed most. Your contribution will give the less fortunate Muslims a chance to celebrate Eid ul-Adha with the rest of the Ummah. At UKIM, our teams make sure that your donation reaches the most vulnerable and your Qurbani is offered according to prescribed rules. Donate to UKIM’s Qurbani appeal and give hope to distressed families this Eid-ul-Adha.