Dhul Hijjah Crescent Moon Sighted in Abu Dhabi Signals Beginning of Eid Al Adha in UAE

On Friday, June 7, the crescent marking the start of Dhul Hijjah 1445 was photographed in Abu Dhabi. In a social media post, the UAE's Astronomy Centre shared an image of the faint crescent, captured by the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory at 10am UAE time (6am GMT).

Islamic countries determine the start of Dhul Hijjah and the celebration of Eid Al Adha based on local moon sightings. The crescent Moon, which signifies the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, was spotted in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, June 6.

Following this sighting, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced that Friday would be the first day of Dhul Hijjah, with the standing at Arafat scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2024.
However, in Oman, the crescent moon was not seen on Thursday evening, leading to Monday, June 17, being observed as the first day of Eid Al Adha in Oman.

Countries Yet to Announce Dates

A few more countries — including India and Pakistan — are yet to announce the dates for Dhul Hijjah and Eid Al Adha. Based on astronomical calculations, though, they are expected to see the Moon after sunset.
Here's a list nations that will be on the lookout for the crescent Moon today:

• India
• Pakistan
• Indonesia
• Bangladesh
• Iran
• Morocco
• Ghana

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, involves special prayers and the slaughter of livestock -- typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel -- in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son following Allah’s command. Before the sacrifice took place, Allah provided a ram for Ibrahim to slaughter instead. 

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