Muslims around the world are eagerly anticipating Eid al-Adha for the year 2025, which is considered one of the most significant Islamic holidays and is celebrated on the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah. This holiday is marked by its unique rituals, including the sacrifice of animals and the revival of spiritual and social values. Before this blessed holiday, Arafat Day occurs on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, which is recognized as one of the most important days of the year when Muslims engage in prayer and fasting.
Eid al-Adha 2025 corresponds to Friday, 6 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH. This occasion commemorates the story of the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, symbolizing obedience and sacrifice. The date of Eid al-Adha is determined based on the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah, which may vary slightly between countries, potentially leading to different local celebration dates.
Arafat Day 2025 will fall on Thursday, 5 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH. This day is a cornerstone of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat to perform one of the most significant rituals of Hajj. For non-pilgrims, fasting on this day is highly recommended due to its immense spiritual merit. As stated in a hadith by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “Fasting on Arafat is hoped to atone for the sins of the previous year and the coming year” (reported by Muslim).
The rituals of Eid al-Adha are well-known, including the performance of the Eid prayer and the sacrifice of animals, which is a beloved act of worship for financially able Muslims. The sacrifice is divided into three parts: one part for the poor, one part for relatives, and the last part for the family. Furthermore, the holiday serves as a renewal of social bonds through visits and maintaining family ties. As Eid al-Adha 2025 approaches, Muslims are excited about the opportunity to receive God’s mercy and express their faith through the rituals of Hajj and sacrifice.
In addition to the spiritual significance of Eid al-Adha, the costs of new Hajj packages for residents inside Saudi Arabia are witnessing a noticeable increase for the Hajj season of 1446 AH. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, a system of packages has been introduced, offering four diverse options available through the "Nusuk" application, which facilitates booking and payment processes for pilgrims.
The first package starts at 10,366 riyals and includes accommodation in developed camps in Mina, although transportation costs are not included. The second package begins at 8,092 riyals and offers hospitality accommodations in shared residences, with transportation costs remaining separate. The third package provides accommodation in six towers located near the Jamarat area, with prices starting from 13,150 riyals. The fourth package features modern facilities, meals, and personalized services, starting at 12,537 riyals, again excluding transportation costs.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also established conditions for refunding amounts paid for Hajj packages. These include the death of the main applicant, whether husband or wife, traffic accidents preventing the performance of the pilgrimage, permanent health disabilities requiring long-term hospitalization, and criminal incidents that hinder the applicant's ability to perform Hajj.
The "Nusuk" application serves as a comprehensive platform to ease the Hajj experience, allowing pilgrims to select the most suitable package, book electronically, and cancel reservations while obtaining refunds in specified circumstances. This reflects the new Hajj package prices, which emphasize comfort and advanced services provided to pilgrims while ensuring ease of processes through the "Nusuk" application.
As the dates for Eid al-Adha and Arafat Day approach, the anticipation among Muslims worldwide grows. These events not only offer a time for spiritual reflection and community bonding but also highlight the logistical and financial aspects involved in fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam. The upcoming Hajj season is set to be a significant occasion for many, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Ultimately, the confluence of Eid al-Adha and the Hajj season presents a unique opportunity for Muslims to deepen their faith while navigating the evolving landscape of pilgrimage logistics. With the ease provided by the "Nusuk" application and the diverse package options, pilgrims can focus more on the spiritual aspects of their journey, creating a fulfilling experience that resonates with the core values of sacrifice, community, and devotion.
