Eid Al Adha first date revealed for most Islamic countries

The most probable dates of the Islamic celebration Eid Al Adha have been determined. The International Astronomical Centre has announced that Saturday, July 9, is expected to be the first day of Eid Al Adha in several Islamic countries. These include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Egypt.

Observers from these countries would venture out to see the crescent moon on Wednesday, June 29. Mohammad Odeh, Chairman of the International Astronomical Centre, said the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah is likely to begin on Thursday, June 30. Eid Al Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. As per astronomical calculations, the corresponding Gregorian date would be July 9.

A four-day break to mark the festival in the UAE begins one day before Eid. Known as the Day of Arafah, this year, the day would likely fall on Friday, July 8. The likely dates of the long weekend to celebrate the festival are: Friday, July 8, to Monday, July 11. The Emirates Astronomical Society announced the exact same dates last week based on their calculations.

Muslims celebrate the Day of Arafah as their holiest day. As pilgrims make the Haj, they spend the day on a hill called Arafah, repenting for their sins. Muslims who couldn’t make the Haj pilgrimage fast on this day. On Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, special prayers are offered. Islam commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith by slaughtering livestock – usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel.