When is Dunkay Prayday?

By Alie Sonta Kamara

Muslims all over the world will celebrate Eid al-Adha (the feast of sacrifice) or Dunkay Prayday (as it is known in Sierra Leone) on Friday, June 6, 2025.

Eid al-Adha is one of the two blessed Eids (occasions of celebration) that Muslims mark each year. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). In remembrance of his sacrifice and to help the poor and needy, they give their own sacrifice.

Eid al-Adha observances and celebrations include going to a mosque to pray any time between when the sun completely rises to just before the entering of Zuhr time (known as the noon prayer) on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

For many Muslims, Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of Hajj (pilgrimage), which is the Fifth Pillar of Islam, at Mina, Saudi Arabia, near Mecca. This annual pilgrimage is taken by men and women who are financially and physically able to take it once in their lifetime, and the end of the pilgrimage coincides with the end of Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic calendar) and lasts for four days.

In 2024, the Feast of Sacrifice was celebrated on June 16, which coincided with the Day of the African Child.