Dhu Al Hijjah Crescent Moon Sighted In Saudi Arabia For Eid-Al-Adha 2024 - What It Means For India?

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia made a significant announcement regarding the upcoming Islamic calendar events, on Thursday. They confirmed that Friday, June 7, would officially mark the commencement of Dhu Al Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

This declaration followed the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah in the Kingdom on Thursday evening.

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Furthermore, the Saudi Supreme Court revealed the dates for two crucial Islamic occasions based on the lunar calendar. Arafat Day, a significant day during the Hajj pilgrimage, is scheduled for Saturday, June 15. Arafat Day falls on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah and is observed with prayers and rituals at Mount Arafat near Mecca.

Subsequently, Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, will begin on Sunday, June 16. Eid Al Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu Al Hijjah and holds immense importance in Islam. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, with God ultimately providing a ram as a substitute.

This announcement has significant implications for Muslims worldwide, particularly those intending to perform the Hajj pilgrimage or observe Eid Al Adha. It sets the stage for the start of the Hajj season in 2024 and provides clarity on the dates for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha celebrations.

Meanwhile, in Oman, a separate announcement was made regarding the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah. The authorities in Oman confirmed that the crescent moon remained unseen in the Sultanate. Consequently, Friday, June 7, would be considered the 30th day of Dhu Al Qa'dah, the month preceding Dhu Al Hijjah.

With the commencement of Dhu Al Hijjah on Saturday, June 8, Oman's announcement also impacts the timing of Eid Al Adha celebrations in the country. Eid Al Adha in Oman is scheduled to be observed on Monday, June 17, aligning with the lunar calendar and traditional Islamic practices.

These announcements serve to guide Muslims in Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as around the world, in observing and commemorating these important religious occasions in accordance with Islamic teachings and traditions.

According to various media reports, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has requested all Muslims in the Kingdom to participate in the sighting of the crescent moon of the month Dhu Al Hijjah.

If the moon is sighted on June 6:
- Dhu Al Hijjah will begin on June 7.
- Arafah Day, which is the 9th of Dhu Al Hijjah, will be on June 15.
- Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on June 16, the 10th of Dhu Al Hijjah.

If the moon is not sighted on June 6:
- Dhu Al Hijjah will commence on June 8.
- Arafah Day will then fall on June 16.
- Eid Al Adha will be observed on June 17.