Saudi Arabia calls for moon sighting to confirm Eid-el-Adha date

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on all Muslims across the Kingdom to participate in the sighting of the crescent moon of the Arabic month Dhu Al Hijjah tomorrow evening, Thursday.

This action is expected to help determine the commencement of the new and last month of the Hijr and also the day the festival falls on (Islamic) calendar.

Eid Al Adha, the biggest Islamic festival falls on the 10th of Dhu Al Hijjah, PUNCH Online reports.

“If Friday, June 7, is confirmed the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah, Eid Al Al Adha will fall on Sunday June 16,” it read.

Gulf News reports that the court urged individuals capable of observing the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or through binoculars to approach the nearest court and provide their testimony.

They are requested to register their testimony or contact the nearest centre to help him reach the nearest court.

Meanwhile, Inside the Haramain, has also posted on Wednesday on its X, #insharifain, a related report.

The agency is the official handle of the news publication generating from the two holy mosques in Mecca and Madinah.

“The Supreme Court calls on all Muslims in Saudi Arabia to investigate the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah tomorrow evening, Thursday, 29 Dhu al-Qadah 1445 H, corresponding to 6 June 2024.

“The sighting of the crescent will confirm the days of Hajj, including the Day of Arafah and Eid Al Adha,” the post read.

Eid-el-Adha

Eid-el-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is also called Eid-el-Kabir. It is one of the most significant Islamic holidays.

It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

However, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. The festival is marked by special prayers, feasting, and the ritual sacrifice of animals such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.

The festival also coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, which takes place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.