Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday announced the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon and Eid ul Adha will be celebrated in these countries on May 27.
According to the announcement, Arafat Day falls on May 26 and Eid ul Adha will be celebrated on May 27.
The Hajj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, involves a series of rituals in Mecca and its surroundings in western Saudi Arabia that take several days to complete.
One of the five pillars of Islam, it must be performed at least once by all Muslims who have the means to do so.
After traveling from all parts of the globe to Islam’s holiest city, the pilgrims will first perform “tawaf” – circling seven times around the holy Kaaba.
They will then head for Mina, a valley surrounded by craggy mountains several kilometers (miles) outside Mecca, where they will spend the night in air-conditioned tents.
Eid ul Adha, also known as the “Feast of the Sacrifice”, commemorates the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, a test of faith that was divinely interrupted and replaced with a ram.
In addition, the occasion is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings and acts of charity, including ritual sacrifices of livestock where the meat is distributed to relatives, friends and the underprivileged.
