The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced that Monday, June 19, will mark the first day of Zilhajj, after sighting the new crescent in the Kingdom, Gulf News reports.
As a result, Eid-ul-Azha 2023 will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 28, as it traditionally falls on the 10th day of Zilhajj. Accordingly, Arafat Day, which is observed on the ninth day of Zilhajj, will occur on Tuesday, June 27.
The Islamic festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail on Allah’s command.
As the world celebrates, millions of Muslims will be in the city of Makkah – the holiest place in Islam – to perform Haj (pilgrimage). On the day of Arafah, the pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat to pray at the very site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had delivered his final sermon 14 centuries ago. Muslims around the world fast on the day.
