The government has officially declared a public holiday from Thursday, June 5, to Monday, June 9, 2025, in observance of the upcoming Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
The announcement was made during a recent Cabinet meeting, led by Kuwait Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah.
Flexible Holiday Options for Non-Traditional Workplaces
The holiday will apply to all state bodies and public institutions, with operations suspended for five days. However, in an effort to accommodate workplaces with "unconventional" operational needs, the Cabinet has granted these organizations the flexibility to set their own holiday schedules.
This provision is designed to ensure that sectors with unique demands are able to celebrate the holiday while maintaining their essential services.
Government employees will resume work on Tuesday, June 10, after the Eid festivities.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, will begin on the evening of Friday, June 6, and continue until Tuesday, June 10. The holiday commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (Ishmael), in obedience to God's command. However, before the sacrifice could take place, God intervened, providing a ram to be sacrificed in Isma’il’s place. This act symbolizes divine mercy and devotion.
The celebration of Eid al-Adha is marked by several rituals. The day begins with a special prayer at mosques, where Muslims come together in their finest attire to express gratitude to Allah. Many families will then perform the ritual of Qurbani, which involves the sacrifice of an animal—typically a sheep, goat, or cow. The meat is divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the needy. Charity plays a pivotal role during the festival, ensuring that everyone can partake in the celebrations.
Eid al-Adha holds profound spiritual significance, coinciding with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. For Muslims around the world, it is a time of reflection, spiritual renewal, and community. The festival not only celebrates faith and sacrifice but also fosters a sense of generosity and unity, as Muslims around the world come together to mark this sacred occasion.
The Council of Ministers also referenced the expected astronomical sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is anticipated to be visible on May 27, 2025. Consequently, May 28 will be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The Day of Arafat, observed on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, will fall on Thursday, June 5, 2025, followed by Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6. During this period, Muslims worldwide engage in fasting and reflection, preparing for the rituals of the festival.
