Eid Al Adha 2022 is Likely To Fall on July 9 in Most Countries

The first day of Eid Al Adha 2022 is likely to fall on Saturday, July 9 in most countries, according to the International Astronomical Center.

The center made the announcement following the sighting of the crescent moon of the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijjah, whose tenth day marks the first day of Eid Al Adha. Dhu Al Hijjah is also when Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

The center believes that the month of Dhu Al Hijjah is likely to begin on Thursday, June 30.

Saudi Arabia has already instructed its religious officials to sight the moon for Dhu Al Hijjah.

The Gulf country is set to reveal the beginning of the month today, which will determine when Eid will take place.

Astronomers in Morocco, however, believe that the North African country is expected to celebrate Eid Al Adha on Sunday, July 10.

But the Moroccan Ministry of Islamic Affairs will only announce the official date after the crescent moon sighting by a special committee.

During Eid Al Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, Muslims must sacrifice a sheep, lamb, goat, or cow as the holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail at the behest of God.

According to Islamic scriptures, reassured by Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion and submission to His will, God sent him a sheep and asked him to sacrifice the animal instead of his son.

Celebrations of Eid Al Adha are fairly similar in Muslim countries, with the main exception being the way dishes are made and presented.

Muslims begin Eid Al Adha with a morning prayer at mosques before heading back to their homes to begin celebrations with families and loved ones.

The head of the family (father) usually takes care of the slaughtering in the morning. Festive or collective meals and family visits usually take up the rest of the day.