Friday 6 June 2025 will mark a significant day for nearly one million Australian Muslims as they gather across mosques, parks, and community halls to observe Eid al-Adha 1446H, the Festival of Sacrifice, one of Islam’s most sacred celebrations.
Eid al-Adha coincides with the culmination of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, connecting Muslims in Australia to a shared spiritual journey unfolding across the globe on a grand scale.
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), along with the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad, announced that Eid al-Adha will be observed on Friday, following the official sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, 27 May.
This marked Wednesday 28 May as the first day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Accordingly, Thursday 5 June will be the Day of Arafah, and Friday 6 June the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the day of Eid.
The announcement was echoed by the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) and its National Sharia Board, who urged Muslim communities to reflect on the values of faith, sacrifice, and unity.
Meanwhile, Moonsighting Australia, which relies on local moon sightings, confirmed visibility in Sydney and Brisbane on 28 May and declared Saturday 7 June as the day of Eid for their followers.
These differences in date reflect the diversity within Islamic practice, and Muslim leaders across the country have called for mutual respect and understanding during this special time irrespective of differences in the dates of Eid celebrations.
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the unwavering devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (a), who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
This act of submission is honoured through ritual sacrifice (Qurban), prayer, and charity, serving as a powerful reminder of spiritual commitment and selflessness.
Eid al-Adha also marks the culmination of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.
Each year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform this sacred pilgrimage.
For those unable to attend, Eid al-Adha offers a chance to spiritually connect with this monumental event.
How is Eid celebrated in Australia?
Whether Eid is observed on Friday or Saturday, the essence remains the same: worship, sacrifice, generosity, and community.
Across Australia, Muslims will celebrate in diverse yet meaningful ways:
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Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid): Performed in large congregations in mosques, parks or community centres on the morning of Eid.
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Qurban/Udhiya: The ritual sacrifice of an animal — a symbolic act echoing Ibrahim’s (a) devotion. In Australia, due to regulatory requirements, most Muslims donate to licensed charities that perform Qurban overseas, ensuring meat reaches those in need.
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Family gatherings: Eid is a time for reconnecting, visiting loved ones, and celebrating together.
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Charity and generosity: Giving to the less fortunate is a central value of Eid, with many families sharing meals, gifts, and donations.
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Festive foods and sweets: From backyard barbecues to trays of sweets like baklava, swain, gulab jamun, or ma’amoul, food plays a central role in bringing people together.
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Cultural Festivities: Many communities organise Eid festivals with rides, food stalls, and entertainment for families to enjoy.
A time of reflection and compassion
This year’s Eid celebrations are taking place against the backdrop of global suffering. Community leaders have encouraged Australian Muslims to keep those facing hardship in Palestine, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kashmir, Myanmar and elsewhere in their prayers.
The festival’s deeper meaning, sacrifice and solidarity, is especially poignant as Muslims are reminded to extend generosity and compassion beyond their own homes.
Unity in diversity
While the differing dates of Eid between communities may lead to practical challenges, they also reflect the diverse expressions of Islamic tradition.
From Sydney to Perth, and across regional towns, Muslims will mark the day in ways that resonate with their spiritual, cultural, and familial roots, all anchored by a shared love for faith.
As Australia prepares for this sacred occasion, workplaces and schools are encouraged to support Muslim staff and students taking time off to observe Eid al-Adha, especially as it falls on a weekday.
Whether you’re offering Eid Salah at your local masjid, sharing a barbecue with neighbours, or donating Qurban to a family in need overseas, Eid al-Adha is a powerful reminder of what it means to live with purpose, faith, and care for others.
Eid Mubarak.
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