Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Friday, June 6, 2025, will be Eid-el-Adha, known in Nigeria as Sallah Day. This follows the sighting of the crescent moon which marks the beginning of the Islamic month Dhul Hijjah.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 27, through Haramain Sharifain, a platform that provides updates from the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. According to the update, Dhul Hijjah 1446 will begin on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
With the confirmation of the new moon, the Day of Arafah will take place on Thursday, June 5. This is the day when Hajj pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for prayers and reflection. The following day, Friday, June 6, will be celebrated as Eid-el-Adha.
Eid-el-Adha is one of the two main Islamic festivals observed by Muslims around the world. It honours the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was ready to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. According to Islamic belief, Allah replaced the son with a ram, and this act of faith is remembered through the ritual of animal sacrifice.
During the festival, Muslims perform communal prayers, visit family and friends, and share meat with the poor and needy. It is also a time for charity and spiritual reflection.
The Day of Arafah, which comes just before the Eid, is a day of major spiritual importance. Pilgrims spend the day at Mount Arafat praying, seeking forgiveness, and reflecting. It is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Saudi authorities also shared the traditional prayer recited by pilgrims in a state of ihram: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda, Wannimata, Laka Wal-Mulk, La Sharika Lak.” This means, “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. All praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You, and You have no partner.”
Last year, Eid-el-Adha was celebrated on June 16, 2024. The early announcement for this year allows Muslims around the world, including in Nigeria, to prepare for Hajj, prayers, and the traditional Sallah celebrations.
