The crescent Moon that marks the beginning of Dhul Hijjah was first sighted in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, June 6. After the sighting of the moon, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia stated, “Tomorrow, Friday is the first of Dhul Hijjah and the standing at Arafat will be on Saturday 15/06/2024.”
Thursday, June 6, is thus the last day of Dhul Qa’adah, while Friday, June 7, is the first day of Dhul Hijjah. This means that the first day of Eid Al Adha will be Sunday, June 16 (Dhul Hijjah 10). The Day of Arafah, which precedes the Eid and is considered to be the most sacred day in Islam, will be on Saturday, June 15, Dhul Hijjah 9.
For Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, this Eid is one of the most cherished Islamic religious holidays during which most employees receive a long weekend. The UAE has announced one day holiday for Arafah Day and three days for Eid Al Adha, as stated in the list of public holidays approved by the government.
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Eid al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is observed through offering special prayers. In the Islamic world, people sacrifice animals – it can be a goat, sheep, cow, or camel – to celebrate the Prophet Ibrahim’s faith. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God by being willing to sacrifice his son as per Allah’s instruction. Before the incident of sacrifice took place, Allah offered him a sheep which the prophet sacrificed.
