The Saudi Arabian Supreme Court announced on Thursday that the first day of Zilhaj will be marked on June 7 as the new moon was sighted in the Kingdom, the Gulf News reported.
“Arafat Day falls on Saturday, June 15, while Sunday, June 16 will be the first day of Eid Al Adha,” said a statement posted on the news website.
Friday, June 7 is the first day of Zilhaj, marking the start of the Hajj pilgrimage season this year. The first day of Eidul Azha falls on the Zilhaj 10. Arafat Day falls on the ninth day of Zilhaj, which is on June 15.
Meanwhile, Oman said the crescent moon of Zilhaj has not been sighted in the Sultanate. This means Friday is the 30th of Dhu Qadah, and Saturday, June 8, marks the first day of Zilhaj. Eidul Azha will be celebrated on Monday, June 17 in the Sultanate.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Karachi tomorrow (Friday) to decide about the sighting or otherwise of the Zilhaj moon.
The meeting, to be held at the main offices of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, will be chaired by the chairman of the committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
The meetings of zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will be held at their respective headquarters on the same date and time.
