NAIROBI, Kenya — From Nairobi’s city mosques to the crowded streets of Mecca, Muslims across the globe are preparing to mark Eid-ul-Adha—one of Islam’s most significant and sacred holidays—with prayer, sacrifice, and celebration.
According to Islam Faith, Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the moment Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) showed his devotion to God by preparing to sacrifice his son—believed by different Islamic traditions to be either Ismail or Ishaq.
But before the act could take place, God intervened, replacing the child with a lamb. That moment of divine mercy lives on in the ritual of animal sacrifice performed by millions each year during Eid.
Beginning on June 6 and running through June 9, 2025, this year’s Eid-ul-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja in the Islamic lunar calendar. But like all lunar celebrations, exact dates may vary by region depending on moon sightings.
The day starts early. From the first light, Muslims head to mosques and prayer grounds to perform the special Eid prayers, typically held after sunrise and before noon.
The prayers are often followed by the sacrifice of sheep, goats, cows or camels—depending on local customs and family means. The meat is shared in three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for those in need.
It’s a time of reflection, charity, and unity. Sweets are exchanged, gifts are shared, and homes buzz with visits from extended family.
For two consecutive years, the pandemic brought the annual pilgrimage to a halt, denying many the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform Hajj. Now, with restrictions lifted, the faithful are returning in record numbers. Many of them have waited patiently, saving for years—sometimes decades—despite personal hardships like war, poverty, or political unrest.
For countless Muslims, the journey to Mecca is more than travel—it’s the fulfillment of a spiritual promise. For some, it’s their first time setting foot in the holy city; for others, it’s the final chapter in a lifelong devotion.
As the sacred days of Eid-ul-Adha begin, the blend of global celebration and spiritual sacrifice underscores Islam’s enduring message: faith, generosity, and community. And in a world that often feels divided, those core values feel more relevant—and more necessary—than ever.
