NEWS | The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia.
This marks the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Dhul Hijjah is a sacred month for Muslims, as it contains the days of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, and the days of ‘Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice.
Here are some key dates to remember for this month:
- Monday 19th June 2023: 1st Dhul Hijjah 1444. This is the first day of the month and the start of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, which are considered the best days of the year in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship, charity, and good deeds during these days.
- Tuesday 27th June 2023: Day of ‘Arafah. This is the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah and the most important day of Hajj. Millions of pilgrims will gather on the plain of ‘Arafah, near Mecca, to pray and repent. Muslims who are not performing Hajj are recommended to fast on this day, as it expiates the sins of the previous and the coming year.
- Wednesday 28th June 2023: Day of ‘Eid. This is the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah and the first day of ‘Eid al-Adha, which means “the feast of sacrifice”. Muslims celebrate this day by offering a sacrifice (usually a sheep, goat, or cow) in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for God. The meat is distributed among family, friends, and the poor. Muslims also perform a special prayer in the morning and greet each other with “Eid Mubarak”, which means “blessed festival”.
We wish you all a blessed and peaceful Dhul Hijjah and ‘Eid al-Adha. May Allah accept your good deeds and grant you His mercy and forgiveness.