When is Eid Al Adha in UAE? Officials announce day of sighting of crescent moon

Countries across the Middle East will likely observe Eid Al Adha on June 6 in most Islamic countries as the Dhul Hijjah crescent Moon will likely be sighted on Tuesday, according to reports. The sighting of the moon will determine the exact date of Eid al-Adha and the beginning of this year's Hajj rituals.

Eid al Adha is the second holiest festival of Muslims and is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. Arafat Day is observed on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and Eid al Adha on the 10th day of the month, depending on the sighting of the moon.

The first day of the the new Hijri month will be on Wednesday and the Arafat Day will then fall on June 5, Gulf News quoted the International Astronomical Centre (IAC). The director added that the crescent moon can be seen on that day using a telescope from Central and Western Asia, most parts of Africa, and Europe, and can also be seen with the naked eye from large parts of the Americas. 

Meanwhile, the authorities of Saudi Arabia called on all Muslims in the  Kingdom to sight the Dhul Hijjah Moon on Tuesday. "The Supreme Court hopes anyone seeing the moon by the naked eye or the telescope to notify the nearest court and register a testimony or contact the nearest centre to help him reach the nearest court," Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian nations, the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah will likely be sighted on May 28. If not, then the month of Dhul Hijjah will begin on May 29 and accordingly, the Eid al Adha, celebrated on 10th day of the month which is June 7.

Middle East