The majority of Muslims worldwide will celebrate `Eid Al-Adha, which crowns the hajj pilgrimage, on Thursday, September 24, Al-Arabeya satellite channel reported.
Late on Sunday, some officials in Saudi Arabia announced that the new moon of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of Islamic calendar, was not sighted on Sunday, September 13.
The announcement was made by several Saudi newspapers after the moon sighting groups failed to see it in different parts across the Kingdom.
Therefore, the first day of Dhul-Hijjah will be on Tuesday, September 14, Arafah on September 23 and `Eid Al-Adha on Thursday, September 24.
However, the Saudi Supreme Judicial Court has not issued any official statement on the date till the writing of this report.
`Eid Al-Adha, or “Feast of Sacrifice”, is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations, together with `Eid Al-Fitr.
After special prayers to mark the day, Muslims offer unhiyah, a ritual that reminds of the great act of sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma`eel (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them) were willing to make for the sake of God
Festivities and merriment then start with visits to the homes of friends and relatives.
Traditionally, everyone wears new clothes for `Eid, and the children look forward to gifts and the traditional `ediya (cash).
`Eid Al-Adha marks the end of annual hajj.
One of the five pillars of Islam, hajj consists of several ceremonies, which are meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, and to commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family.
Every able-bodied adult Muslim — who can financially afford the trip — must perform hajj once in their lifetime.
Source: OnIslam
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