Eid al-Adha Expected on June 6 According to Astronomical Observations

With Eid al-Adha, the second of the two great Islamic festivals, looming. The International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi has announced that it will most probably fall on Friday 6 June. This momentous date happens to fall during the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims from all over the world descend by the millions to participate in this significant religious observance, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, the director of the International Astronomical Centre, highlighted the necessity of having astronomical observations. These observations will be used to inform the proper Islamic lunar calendar, including the exact date for Eid al-Adha. He noted that the moon will be observable through telescopes in various regions, including parts of Central and Western Asia. Further, this visibility encompasses the entirety of Africa and Europe, allowing for a great chance to make precise lunar sightings.

Odeh anticipates that Dhu al-Hijjah, the Islamic month in which Eid al-Adha falls, will start on May 28. So save the date to join this historic celebration! Eid al-Adha has historically been celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. If the moon is sighted on the evening of May 28, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on May 30. So save the date for June 6th!

Eid al-Adha is celebrated with special prayers, communal feasting, and giving to those in need. It celebrates the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. Instead, God supplied the ram as a replacement. That story is strongly echoed within Islamic tradition.

The celebration represents the importance of the Hajj pilgrimage. This holy pilgrimage is held in the city of Mecca and every Muslim must make this pilgrimage at least one time, if financially and physically able to do so. With Eid al-Adha immediately preceding Hajj, the festival is particularly compelling this year. This intersection generates a powerful sense of community and commitment among Muslims worldwide.