RIYADH: The sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Zil Hajj was confirmed in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, determining that the first day of the month will fall on June 19 (Monday).
The day of Arafah, considered the holiest in Islam, will be observed on Tuesday, June 27. Subsequently, the first day of Eid ul Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 28, in the kingdom.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to announce the sighting of the crescent moon today. Traditionally, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and several other Gulf countries observe Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha on the same days.
Eid ul Adha Likely on June 29 in Pakistan
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the Meteorological Office stated that the birth of the moon is anticipated to occur on June 18 at 9:37 pm, with the possibility of sighting it on June 19. As a result, the first day of Zil-Hajj is likely to be observed on June 20 (Tuesday), followed by Eid ul Adha on June 29 (Thursday).
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, responsible for sighting the Crescent of Zil-Hajj, is scheduled to convene at the Pakistan Meteorological Department in Karachi on Monday. The meeting will be chaired by Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
Additionally, zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will hold their respective meetings at their headquarters on the same date and time.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee gathers on the 29th day of each Islamic month and makes the official announcement after sighting the moon.
