Eid-al-Adha to be celebrated June 16

The Dhul Hijjah crescent has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, signaling the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar.

Prior to the announcement, astronomers who had camped at the Tumair and Sudair observatories had reported setbacks after clouds covered the horizon, making it difficult to see the new crescent moon.

Just the royal court was preparing to issue a statement, astronomer Abdullah Al-Kathiri filed in, reporting the sighting of the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah at Al Hareeq observatory.

With the crescent’s sighting, Eid Al-Adha will be observed on Sunday, June 16. Arafat Day, which precedes the major Muslim holiday, will fall on Saturday, June 15.

During this period, a Muslim who intends to offer a sacrifice must not remove anything from his hair, nails, or skin after the month of Dhul-Hijjah begins until he makes the sacrifice.