Riyadh: The Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon has been sighted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on June 18. This means Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on June 28.
This means that the Haj 1444 AH (Anno Hegirae in Latin or “in the year of the Hijrah”) – 2023 will start on June 26 and the day of Arafah will fall on June 27.
On June 16, Saudi Arabia called on Muslims to sight the crescent of the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah. The Saudi Supreme Court called on whoever sights the crescent – either by the naked eye or through binoculars – to report to the nearest court and register their observation.
About Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha (also known as BakrEid and Eid uz Zuha in the Indian continent) is celebrated around the world on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah – the month considered one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar and celebrated the sacrifices of the Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar and their son, the Prophet Ismail.
Eid Al Adha – the second holiest festival for Muslims around the world also coincides with the annual Haj rites, i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah.
What is Haj?
The Haj pilgrimage to Makkah is a mandatory religious duty that must be performed by those Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in a lifetime.