Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced on Sunday that the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic calendar, will fall on June 20. This means Eid Al Adha 2023 will take place on Thursday, June 29.
The ministry carried out the sighting of the crescent moon for Eid Al Adha 2023 today, reporting that the moon sighting for Dhu al-Hijjah was not clear.
As religious experts were unable to observe it with a naked eye, Eid Al Adha will take place on June 29. The celebration marks the tenth day of Dhu’l Al Hijjah, the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar.
Known as the feast of sacrifice in English, Eid Al Adha is one of the holiest events in Islam.
During the festival, Muslims sacrifice a sheep, lamb, goat, or a cow, in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail at the behest of God.
Several countries are expected to celebrate this year’s Eid Al Adha on June 28.
One of these countries is Saudi Arabia, with the Gulf kingdom confirming today that the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah will fall on Monday, June 19.
Moroccan astronomer Hicham Aissaoui predicted earlier this month that the feast will take place in Morocco on June 29.
Dhu al-Hijja is the month in which the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) takes place.
Traditions of celebrating the Eid is different from one region to another but some rituals remain unchanged.
Muslims across the world share one common ritual, which is the morning Eid prayers.
During the morning of the feast, Moroccans wear traditional clothes like Djellaba and flock to mosques to perform Salat El Eid (the Eid prayers) before joining back their families to kick off celebrations.
The proper Eid festivities start after the slaughtering of the sacrifice livestock, usually a sheep, and the event continues with families gathering around tables full of delicious food and dishes
