Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. In 2025, Muslims in India and several other countries are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha on June 7th. This day commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The festival is a time for devotion, sacrifice, and compassion, marked by prayers, animal sacrifice, community feasts, and charitable acts.

In anticipation of Eid al-Adha, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, the Imam of Lucknow Eidgah, has issued a 12-point advisory to guide the community in observing the festival with devotion, discipline, and civic responsibility. The advisory emphasizes the importance of adhering to legal, hygienic, and respectful practices during the celebrations.

One of the primary focuses of the advisory is maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Maulana Farangi Mahali has urged the community to ensure that the ritual of animal sacrifice, or "Qurbani," is performed in designated spots and not in public areas like roadsides or streets. He has also stressed the importance of preventing sacrificial blood from flowing into drains, suggesting that it should instead be buried in the ground to serve as fertilizer. Animal waste should be disposed of through the Municipal Corporation's arrangements.

In line with modern sensitivities, the advisory strictly prohibits photographing or filming the sacrifice and sharing such content on social media. The Imam emphasized that the act of sacrifice is a sacred ritual and not a spectacle, urging discretion to preserve the festival's dignity.

Furthermore, the advisory calls for the community to share the meat from the sacrificed animal, with a recommendation to distribute one-third of it among the poor and needy. This act of sharing embodies the spirit of compassion and generosity that is central to Eid al-Adha.

The Imam has also urged devotees to offer special prayers for the safety and well-being of their families and for the soldiers guarding the nation's borders. Additionally, in light of current global events, he has encouraged prayers for Palestine.

Eid al-Adha begins on the evening of Friday, June 6th, and concludes on the evening of Saturday, June 7th, subject to the sighting of the moon. The celebration extends for three days, during which Muslims engage in prayers, family visits, and acts of charity. The timing may vary slightly based on local moon sightings, and communities are advised to consult with local religious authorities for confirmed timings.

The 12-point advisory issued by the Imam of Lucknow Eidgah serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims to observe Eid al-Adha in a manner that is both spiritually fulfilling and socially responsible. By emphasizing hygiene, respect, discretion, and compassion, the advisory aims to promote a peaceful and meaningful celebration of this significant Islamic festival.