Eid al-Adha vs Eid al-Fitr: Differences and 2025 Dates in Australia

Understanding Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

Muslims around the world celebrate two major Islamic festivals each year:

• Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the spirit of sacrifice.

While both Eids are occasions of joy, gratitude, and community, they have distinct religious meanings, rituals, and traditions.

Below, we compare Eid al-Fitr vs Eid al-Adha, focusing on their significance, practices, and confirmed 2025 dates in Australia.

Eid al-Fitr 2025: The Festival of Breaking the Fast

Date of Eid al-Fitr 2025 in Australia

Eid al-Fitr 2025 is expected to be on Monday, 31 March, marking the end of Ramadan 1446 AH. However, the exact date depends on moon sighting, which may lead to variations across different regions.

Significance of Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr, also known as “The Festival of Breaking the Fast,” celebrates the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time of gratitude, charity, and renewal of faith.

Key Traditions of Eid al-Fitr

• Fasting Ends: Muslims celebrate after completing a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.
• Eid Prayer: A special Salat al-Eid is performed in congregation at mosques and open grounds.
• Zakat al-Fitr: A mandatory charity donation given before the Eid prayer to support those in need.
• Family Gatherings: Loved ones come together to share festive meals.
• Traditional Foods: Common dishes include sheer khurma, biryani, samosas, and sweets like baklava and maamoul.

Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion of spiritual reflection and communal celebration.

Eid al-Adha 2025: The Festival of Sacrifice

Date of Eid al-Adha 2025 in Australia

Eid ul-Adha 2025 is expected to be observed on Saturday, 7 June. Like Eid al-Fitr, the date is confirmed based on moon sighting.

Significance of Eid al-Adha

Eid ul-Adha, also known as “The Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. Before the sacrifice could take place, Allah provided a ram instead, symbolising divine mercy.

Key Traditions of Eid al-Adha

• Eid Prayer: Similar to Eid al-Fitr, a special Eid prayer is performed early in the morning.
• Qurbani (Sacrifice): Muslims who can afford it sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow, or camel in remembrance of Ibrahim’s faith.
• Meat Distribution: The sacrificed meat is divided into three parts – one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need.
• Charity and Giving: Acts of generosity, such as feeding the poor and supporting humanitarian causes, are encouraged.
• Family Feasts: Special meals include grilled lamb, kebabs, biryani, and rich desserts.

Eid al-Adha highlights the values of devotion, sacrifice, and compassion.

Eid al-Fitr vs Eid al-Adha: A Quick Comparison

Aspect	Eid al-Fitr 2025	Eid al-Adha 2025
Expected Date in Australia	Monday, 31 March 2025	Saturday, 7 June 2025
Islamic Calendar Date	1st Shawwal 1446 AH	10th Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH
Significance	Celebrates the end of Ramadan	Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice
Prayer Time	Special Eid prayer in the morning	Special Eid prayer in the morning
Main Tradition	Breaking the fast, charity (Zakat al-Fitr)	Animal sacrifice (Qurbani) and meat distribution
Charity Focus	Zakat al-Fitr given before prayer	Qurbani meat shared with the poor
Common Foods	Sweets, biryani, kebabs, samosas	Lamb, goat, rice dishes, grilled meats
Public Holiday in Australia?	No (except in some regions)	No (except in Christmas Island & Cocos Islands)

Both Eids strengthen faith, promote community unity, and encourage acts of kindness, but they serve different religious and cultural purposes.

How Are Eid Celebrations in Australia Different?

Australia’s multicultural Muslim population means that Eid celebrations reflect diverse cultural traditions. In cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, Eid is marked by:

• Large congregational prayers at mosques and parks.
• Community festivals with halal food stalls, rides, and cultural performances.
• Eid markets selling traditional clothes, gifts, and Islamic books.
• Charitable initiatives supporting underprivileged families.

Australian Muslims also use this time to engage with the wider community, with many non-Muslims joining Eid events to learn about Islamic traditions.

Is Eid a Public Holiday in Australia?

Eid is not a national public holiday in Australia, so businesses and schools generally remain open. However:

• Many Islamic schools and organisations allow for a day off.
• In Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Eid is officially recognised as a public holiday.

Given the large crowds attending Eid prayers, Australian cities often experience heavy traffic near mosques and community centres.

How Non-Muslims Can Participate in Eid Celebrations

Non-Muslims in Australia can celebrate Eid by:

• Attending local Eid festivals and community events.
• Trying traditional Eid foods at halal restaurants or homes.
• Wishing Muslim friends and colleagues “Eid Mubarak”.
• Donating to Eid charity initiatives.

These small gestures help foster inclusivity and cultural understanding in Australia’s diverse society.

Celebrate Eid by Supporting Those in Need

Both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha emphasise compassion, gratitude, and charity. While many celebrate with feasts and family gatherings, others struggle to afford basic necessities.

At ARO (Australian Relief Organisation), we are committed to:

• Providing Qurbani meat to families in need.
• Supporting refugees and vulnerable communities.
• Distributing Eid food packs and essentials.

This Eid, share your blessings. Donate Now to help those in need.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed Eid Mubarak.

Related Project: Hunger Relief