As the crescent moon ushered in the 10th of Zilhaj, millions of Muslims around the world gathered to celebrate Eidul Azha 2025—a day symbolizing devotion, sacrifice, and community. This year’s celebration, however, unfolded under the somber shadow of ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israel’s military campaign has reportedly claimed over 54,000 Palestinian lives.
Despite the backdrop of grief and geopolitical strife, the spirit of Eid was alive from the bustling streets of Lahore to the solemn prayer gatherings in Jerusalem and the festive activities in West Africa. The day began with special congregational prayers, followed by the ritual sacrifice of animals, whose meat was shared among relatives, neighbors, and those in need—an embodiment of the holiday’s core message of compassion and giving.
In Pakistan, mosques and open grounds brimmed with worshippers united in devotion. Children and families in cities like Lahore were seen enjoying camel rides through the historic Walled City, while volunteers ensured meat distribution to underprivileged communities.
Elsewhere in India, Muslims offered prayers in the shadow of historic landmarks like the Feroz Shah Kotla mosque in New Delhi, standing resilient despite political and social tensions. In Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, Eid served as a brief reprieve from ongoing challenges, offering moments of unity and spiritual reflection.
Heart-wrenching images emerged from Gaza and Jerusalem, where Palestinians gathered to pray amid ruins and rubble. A young girl in traditional dress posed at the revered Al-Aqsa compound, her smile a quiet defiance in the face of ongoing occupation and loss. In Doha, a wounded Palestinian, Ibrahim Qadeeh, joined communal prayers, symbolizing the enduring spirit of a people under siege.
Across Africa, Europe, and Asia, Eid traditions took on local color. In Kano, Nigeria, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II led prayers as communities celebrated with cultural grandeur. In Manchester, UK, Khizra Mosque opened its doors to refugees, hosting meals and games in a show of inclusivity and outreach. In Abidjan, Ivory Coast, boys with painted faces and joyous crowds kept the festivities alive well into the following day.
In Moscow, Muslims congregated for Eid prayers in a striking juxtaposition—gathering near military recruitment boards, reflecting the broader global tensions coloring this year’s observance.
Meanwhile, in the holy lands of Mina, pilgrims completing Hajj marched under water sprays to stave off the summer heat, fulfilling one of Islam’s most sacred rites.
From swings in Babylon to table tennis games in Britain, Eidul Azha 2025 captured both the diversity and unity of the Muslim world—each celebration shaped by local realities, yet bound by shared faith. Though this year’s Eid was tinged with grief for many, it also served as a reminder of resilience, collective memory, and enduring hope in the face of adversity.
