Good news for Pakistanis as the government has declared public holidays for Eid ul Adha 2025. The holidays will start on Friday, June 6, and last until Monday, June 9, providing citizens with a four-day break. This declaration by the federal government enables a complete celebration of this important religious occasion by one’s families.
Eid ul Adha, otherwise known as the Festival of Sacrifice is one of the biggest events in Islam. It celebrates the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Isma’il, as a result of Allah’s command. Allah came to intervene and provided a ram for slaughter.
During this day, Muslims in the world celebrate the event by doing animal sacrifices and the meat is distributed to family members, friends and the poor. The Quran mentions this act of sacrifice in Surah As-Saffat (37:102-107), where Allah says:
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
“Then We gave him good news of a learned boy. And when he reached [the age of] exertion with him, he said, ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you, so see what you think.’ He said, ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast.’” (Quran 37:101-102)
The government’s decision to extend the holidays provides ample time for Muslims to observe special prayers, perform the ritual sacrifice, and spend time with loved ones. The spirit of sacrifice in turn not only has religious meanings but it also builds spirit of community.
During this period, the majority of the Muslims visit relatives, give charity and develop strong ties within their society. As stated in a Hadith from Sahih Muslim:
“Whoever sacrifices an animal on the day of Eid has completed their sacrifice. It is an act of obedience to Allah, and the meat should be shared with family, friends, and the needy.” (Sahih Muslim)
The holidays allow Muslims to embrace the essence of Eid, reflecting on its spiritual significance while also enjoying the company of family and friends. This four-day holiday allows individuals to be able to effectively actively take part in religious undertaking as well as social life, thus making the event memorable.
