The Saudi Supreme Council confirmed on Sunday night that Monday, June 19, 2023, will be the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar, following the appearance of a new crescent moon in the Kingdom.
This indicates that Arafat Day will be on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, while Eid Al Adha will be on Wednesday, June 28.
The Dhul Al Hijjah crescent, which marks the end of the Islamic calendar and the 12th month, was spotted in the Saudi city of Tumair on Sunday, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Saudi Arabia had earlier advised Muslims in the kingdom to keep an eye out for the crescent moon, which could indicate the dates for Eid Al Adha 2023.
According to the Kingdom’s Supreme Council, anyone who witnesses the crescent moon using binoculars or the naked eye should alert the proper authorities at their nearest agency.
Muslims from all over the world travel to Hajj during the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijjah, culminating in the celebration of Eid Al Adha on the 10th day of Hajj ceremonies. The Hajj pilgrimage begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and continues until the 13th.
Eid Al Adha, often known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most important Islamic holidays commemorated by Muslims worldwide. Its name translates to “Festival of Sacrifice,” reflecting the major concept of the event.
This event celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham in Christianity and Judaism) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of loyalty to God. According to the biblical story, God intervened at the last time and gave a ram in place of Ibrahim’s son to be sacrificed.
Eid Al Adha is the completion of the Hajj activity, the annual trip to Mecca that is one of Islam’s Five Pillars. It is marked on the tenth day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the Islamic lunar calendar’s penultimate month.
