Is Eid-al Adha a federal holiday in the US? What you need to know

Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most significant Islamic holidays, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) unwavering faith and obedience to God. In 2025, the celebration begins on June 6 in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, while in India, it is observed on June 7, following the local sighting of the crescent moon.

Eid al-Adha honors the Quranic account of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) in obedience to God's command. At the last moment, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead, symbolizing divine mercy and the importance of faith and submission.

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Is Eid al-Adha a holiday in US?

No, Eid al-Adha is not a designated federal holiday in the United States. According to the US government, there are twelve federal holidays in the US and the list includes: New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inauguration Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

Rituals and Practices of Eid al-Adha

Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid): The festival commences with a special congregational prayer held in mosques or open spaces, followed by a sermon emphasizing themes of sacrifice, devotion, and community.

Qurbani (Sacrifice): Muslims who can afford to do so perform the ritual sacrifice of a permissible animal, such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. The meat is then divided into three equal parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the needy.

Charity and Community: Emphasizing compassion and generosity, Muslims engage in acts of charity, ensuring that the less fortunate can partake in the festivities. This includes distributing meat from the Qurbani and providing financial assistance to those in need.

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Festive Gatherings: Families and communities come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and celebrate. Traditional dishes are prepared, and new clothes are worn to mark the joyous occasion.

In India, Eid al-Adha 2025 is observed on June 7. The day begins with the Eid prayer, followed by the Qurbani ritual. Communities engage in charitable activities, share festive meals, and strengthen social bonds through gatherings and mutual support. Across the world, Eid al-Adha is marked by diverse cultural expressions, but the core values remain consistent: faith, sacrifice, charity, and community. In regions like the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, the festival fosters unity and spiritual reflection, transcending cultural differences.