Dhul Hijjah Crescent Sighted in Saudi Arabia; Eid ul Adha on June 16, Not Yet Seen in UAE

Dhul Hijjah Crescent Moon Sighted in Saudi Arabia; Eid ul Adha on June 16, Awaiting Confirmation in UAE

The beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah commences with the sighting of the crescent or new moon and marks the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, one of Islam’s five pillars, which is followed by Eid ul Adha on the tenth day. Hajj is the pilgrimage that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime if they are able.

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and it holds great significance for Muslims worldwide as it is the month during which the annual pilgrimage known as Hajj takes place in the holy city of Mecca and marks Eid ul-Adha (also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Bakhreid, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, Qurban Bayarami, or the Feast of Sacrifice) on the tenth day of the month. Dhul Hijjah is considered a sacred month and it is a time of heightened devotion, reflection, and acts of worship.

The sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia marks the official beginning of Dhul Hijjah. However, the moon has not yet been sighted in the UAE, indicating a slight difference in the commencement of the month between the two regions. Despite this, the significance of Dhul Hijjah remains profound for Muslims everywhere.

Hajj, which occurs in Dhul Hijjah, is one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world. It is a profound demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people and their submission to Allah. Hajj consists of several rituals including Tawaf, the act of walking around the Kaaba seven times; Sa’i, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah; and standing vigil on the plains of Arafat, which is considered the pinnacle of the Hajj experience.

Eid ul-Adha, which follows the conclusion of Hajj, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. On the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to Allah. According to Islamic tradition, Allah provided a ram to sacrifice instead, honoring Ibrahim’s devotion. This story is the foundation of Eid ul-Adha’s rituals and the act of Qurbani, or animal sacrifice.

During Eid ul-Adha, Muslims who can afford to do so sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one third for the family, one third for relatives and friends, and one third for the poor and needy. This act symbolizes charity, community, and the willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of Allah.

The period of Dhul Hijjah is not only marked by the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid ul-Adha but also by heightened devotion and worship. Many Muslims engage in additional prayers, fasting, and reflection. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered particularly blessed, and it is common for Muslims to increase their acts of worship during this time.

In conclusion, Dhul Hijjah is a deeply significant month in the Islamic calendar. The moon sighting that marks its beginning is eagerly anticipated, as it sets the stage for the spiritual and communal activities that follow. From the Hajj pilgrimage to the celebration of Eid ul-Adha, Dhul Hijjah is a time for Muslims to demonstrate their faith, community, and commitment to the principles of Islam. The acts of worship and sacrifice performed during this month are a testament to the enduring values of devotion, charity, and unity within the Muslim ummah (community).