Saudi Arabia has issued a call for Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah on the evening of June 6, 2024, which corresponds to the 29th of Dhu Al Qadda in the Islamic calendar.
Saudi Arabia Calls on Muslims to Look for Crescent Moon for Eid Al Adha
The sighting of this crescent moon will determine the beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah and, consequently, the date for Eid Al Adha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has requested that anyone who spots the moon, either with the naked eye or through binoculars, notify the nearest court to report the sighting. This practice ensures the sighting is officially recorded and helps in the confirmation of the lunar month’s commencement.
Importance of Moon Sighting
The sighting of the crescent moon is a critical event in the Islamic calendar as it determines the timing of religious observances. Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most important festivals in Islam, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. The festival marks the end of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
In their statement, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of this event, urging all Muslims in the Kingdom to participate in the moon sighting. The court's announcement read: "The Supreme Court wishes all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to investigate the sighting of the crescent of the month of Dhul-Hijjah on the evening of Thursday 11/29/1445 AH - according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar - corresponding to 6/6/2024 AD."
The call for moon sighting is a communal activity that involves the participation of the Muslim community. By encouraging individuals to actively look for the crescent moon, the Supreme Court fosters a sense of unity and collective religious duty among Muslims. This tradition also reflects the Islamic practice of relying on lunar observations to mark significant events and religious occasions.
The successful sighting of the crescent moon will signal the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, with Eid Al Adha expected to be observed ten days later. This festival involves special prayers, feasts, and the act of Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, symbolizing Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to God. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, emphasizing the values of charity and community support.
The Supreme Court's announcement underscores the cultural and religious importance of moon sighting in the Islamic tradition. By calling on Muslims to observe the crescent moon, Saudi Arabia continues to uphold the practice of using lunar observations to determine the timing of key religious events. This communal activity not only reaffirms faith but also strengthens the bonds within the Muslim community as they prepare for the sacred observance of Eid Al Adha.