Dubai: The Muslim world will observe Eid Al Adha on Tuesday, August 21, as today (Sunday) is the first day of Dhu Al Hijja, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has announced.
The Saudi Press Agency has announced that Sunday, August 12, is the first day of Dhu Al Hijja,
Accordingly, the Day of Arafat, the climax of the annual pilgrimage, will fall on Monday, August 20.
On Arafat Day, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims will throng Makkah on the second day of the pilgrimage to ascend Mount Arafat, marking the peak point of the five-day Hajj ritual.
On this big Hajj day, pilgrims converged from dawn on the Mount Arafat plain and the hill known as Jabal Al Rahma, or Mount of Mercy, dedicated to prayers and reflection
The first day of Eid Al Adha always falls on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijja, just one day after the Arafat Day, according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
About Eid Al Adha
During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Ebrahim. Eid Al Adha,
which means the “festival of sacrifice”, is the second of two Islamic holidays and is celebrated every year by Muslims around the world.
The holiday honours Ebrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son Esmail as an act of obedience to Allah’s command.
But before the son is sacrificed, Allah’s angel Jibra’il provides Ebrahim with a male goat instead.
What is done?
Muslims must prepare for the Sunnah, which includes a morning ablution followed by Salat Al Fajar prayers.
They must then clean themselves and put on their best clothing. Eid prayers are offered in the morning when the sun has completely risen, and in congregation while repeating “Labaik Allah Huma Labaik”.
To commemorate Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice Esmail, it is customary for Muslims to sacrifice an animal, which is usually a goat or a sheep. The meat is then divided into three parts: one part for the family, one for friends and relatives, and the final part for the poor and needy.
Eid Al Adha is an important time for charity, and those who can afford it make an effort to ensure they help those less fortunate.
