Ramadan ends: how to celebrate Eid al-Adha

Muslims are preparing to celebrate one of the main holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr, or Eid al-Adha. It heralds the end of the 30-day fast in the holy month of Ramadan. Izvestia investigated how Eid al-Adha is celebrated and what other holidays await Muslims in 2025.

March 30, 2025 — Muslim holiday, Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Adha (in the Turkic version adopted in Russia), or Eid al—Fitr (in the Arabic version) is one of the two main holidays in Islam, celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal. In 2025, it falls on March 30, Sunday, but the celebration begins on the evening of the previous day, that is, on March 29 (Saturday). Islam relies not on the solar calendar, but on the lunar calendar, so the day of the holiday is annually shifted by 11 days, and celebrations begin after sunset.

On this day, Muslim believers fast after a strict fast that lasted the entire month of Ramadan. As the head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Mufti Ravil Gainutdin, explained in the Izvestia column, the spiritual meaning of fasting is to confirm one's steadfastness before Allah, return to the true path and move away from the destruction and spiritual devastation that consumer attitudes lead to. According to legend, it was during Ramadan that Muslims were given the main book, the Koran, as a guide to the right path of life.

The end of Ramadan: How far is it to Eid al-Adha?

There are only four days left until the end of Ramadan. But the Thanksgiving holiday is not limited to just one day, Muslims plan visits and activities for children all weekend, and in some republics Monday will also be a non-working day.

However, those who missed several days of fasting during Ramadan can, if desired, restore them, starting on the second day of the month of Shawwal. At the same time, a six—day fast on Shawwal is considered optional, and making up for the missed days of Ramadan is mandatory for a Muslim.

Eid al-Adha in 2025: how they say what not to do

On the evening before Eid al-Adha, believers perform prayer at home — it is believed that prayer on this night will definitely be heard. And in the morning, at dawn, gayet namaz (or Eid namaz, a collective festive prayer) begins in mosques, to which thousands of Muslims gather. Only men are present at prayer, while women are more likely to watch online broadcasts at home. Before Eid prayer, one should perform a complete ablution with incense and dress in festive clothes. Also at this time, believers pay the obligatory "charity of thanksgiving" — zakat al-fitr.

After the solemn sermon, Muslims return home for a festive dinner — the feast of thanksgiving begins. On Eid al-Adha, it is forbidden to work, clean the house or work in the garden. Believers maintain a festive mood, you can not quarrel and swear. All prohibitions that were in effect during Ramadan are lifted: during the daytime, you can eat, drink, smoke tobacco and hookah, and much more. On this day, you can visit and attend festive events. It is not forbidden to visit cemeteries.

What time does the prayer for Eid al-Adha begin?

In Russian mosques, the festive prayer for Eid al-Adha in 2025 will begin at 7:00 a.m., but it is better to come in advance, before 6:30, the press service of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims told Izvestia. You can pray at the Moscow Cathedral at Prospekt Mira metro station, 7 Vypolzov Lane, at the historical mosque at Novokuznetsk metro station, Bolshaya Tatarskaya str., 28, building 1, and at the Shukhada Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Gora at 2B Minskaya str.

How to set the table for Eid al-Adha

By tradition, the table should be plentiful and delicious, and fasting on Thanksgiving day is not allowed. In addition to the ritual beshbarmak, the main dish of Oriental cuisine, manti, pilaf and sujuk are served on the table, belyashi and echpochmaki are baked, and sweets are served. Dried fruits are always present on the table — figs, dried dates and sweet raisins. All dishes are prepared the day before. Tea and fruit drinks are suitable, alcohol remains banned all year round.

What is given on Eid al-Adha?

On the Feast of Thanksgiving, Muslims often visit and give gifts or make surprises. Gifts can include religious items (Koran, rosary beads, skullcap), as well as household items such as tea sets, oriental sweets, or home decor items. Children receive the most gifts and treats during the holiday.

Eid al-Adha 2025: congratulations

In some countries or regions, it is customary to congratulate each other with the words "Eid gaete mubarak bulsin!" ("May Eid al-Adha be grace"), in other countries they pronounce the shorter "Eid Mubarak!", which means "blessed holiday!". After that, the person is wished health, peace, kindness, and mercy.