Gulf countries to celebrate Eid Al Adha on June 6 but India a day later. Details here

After the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening, almost all Gulf countries have announced that Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on June 6. The sighting of the crescent moon across the Gulf countries on Wednesday marked the start of Dhul Hijjah, which means that the day of Arafat falls on June 5 and Eid on June 6.

 

Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the moon, following which Eid will be observed on June 6. The annual Hajj pilgrimage will begin on June 4. "This year, the day of Arafat will fall on June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha on June 6," according to Saudi authorities.

 

Other Gulf countries that will celebrate Eid Al Adha on June 6 include UAE, Oman and Qatar, which also declared May 28 as the first day of  Dhul Hijjah.  While UAE has announced four days holidays for the festival, most GCC countries have given 4-5 days off for Eid Al Adha. 

 

While Indonesia's Ministry of Religion confirmed the crescent sighting, marking Eid on June 6, other Muslim countries like Malaysia and Brunei said the moon had not been sighted in the countries, which means Eid will be celebrated only on June 7, Saturday.  

 

In South Asian countries like Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, the festival will be celebrated on June 7 after the Dhul Hijjah moon was not sighted in the countries. 

 

The difference in dates in some countries is due to differences in moon sighting, which is an important part of the Islamic calendar.  Eid Al Adha or Bakrid is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice everything for God.

Middle East