UAE residents are gearing up for a probable five-day weekend in the second week of June to commemorate Arafah Day and the Eid Al Adha festival.
Sheikh Ayaz Houzee, the Imam of NGS and Khateeb at Al Manar Islamic Centre, mentioned that the exact dates will be confirmed closer to the time.
Following the lunar-based Islamic calendar, Eid Al Adha falls approximately two months and a few days after Eid Al Fitr. Sheikh Ayaz highlighted, “The Islamic calendar’s dependence on the lunar cycle leads to the shifting dates of both Eid festivals, advancing around 10 to 11 days earlier each year.”
The Islamic Hijri calendar operates on a system where months last either 29 or 30 days, determined by the sighting of the crescent Moon. Arafah Day, observed on Dhul Hijjah 9, precedes the three-day celebration of Eid Al Adha.
Expected Eid Al Adha dates in UAE
Dhul Hijjah 1 is expected to fall on Saturday, June 8. Khadijah Ahmad, the operations manager at Dubai Astronomy Group, corroborated this prediction based on astronomical calculations.
In this scenario, Arafah Day would be observed on Sunday, June 16 (Dhul Hijjah 9), followed by Eid Al Adha on Monday, June 17 (Dhul Hijjah 10).
Consequently, the holiday period would span from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19. Including the preceding weekend on Saturday, June 15, residents could enjoy a five-day break to celebrate the festival. Any adjustments to these dates will be made based on Moon sightings.
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.
However, before Prophet Ibrahim could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead, signifying His mercy and intervention. This event is considered a profound demonstration of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s will.
During Eid Al Adha, Muslims traditionally sacrifice an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the less fortunate.
Besides the act of sacrifice, Eid Al Adha is a time for Muslims to gather with family and friends, share meals, exchange gifts, and engage in acts of charity and goodwill. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and community bonding, emphasizing the values of compassion, generosity, and faith in Islam.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
