Dhul Hijjah Moon Sighted: Eid-al-Adha Set to be Celebrated on June 17 Across India and Gulf Countries

The crescent moon of the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah, has been sighted in various regions, marking the beginning of this holy month. Grand Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi, announced the sighting of the moon, signifying that the month of Dhul Hijjah will commence from June 8, 2024. Additionally, Eid-al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, is scheduled to be celebrated on June 17, 2024, across India and Gulf countries.

This annual observance, also known as Bakrid or Qurbani Eid, follows the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam. The significance of Dhul Hijjah lies in the performance of Hajj and the subsequent celebration of Eid-al-Adha. The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah and includes various rituals, including the sacrifice of animals such as cattle, sheep, or goats, in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to Allah.

In regions like Kerala, India, and Gulf countries, the sighting of the crescent moon has confirmed the beginning of Dhul Hijjah. Kerala will celebrate Eid-al-Adha on June 17, while most Gulf nations will mark the festival on June 16, excluding Oman, which will observe it on June 17. The Day of Arafah, an essential part of Hajj, will be on June 15. As Muslims prepare for this auspicious occasion, they engage in various acts of worship, including fasting, recitation of the Qur’an, supplication, giving charity, and reflecting on their faith.

The sighting of the crescent moon is a vital aspect of determining the start of Islamic months, leading to the observance of significant events such as Eid-al-Adha. The tradition of moon sighting is followed by meticulous processes involving eyewitness testimonies, religious authorities, and skilled observers. This practice ensures unity and consensus within the Muslim community and upholds the traditional values associated with the Islamic calendar.

As the countdown to Eid-al-Adha begins, Muslims around the world are gearing up for the festivities, which encompass spiritual devotion, community gatherings, and acts of generosity. The upcoming celebrations will bring together families and communities in prayer, reflection, and the spirit of sacrifice, embodying the essence of Eid-al-Adha across cultures and traditions.