Astronomical experts have revealed the possible date of sighting of the moon for Islamic month of Zilhaj in Pakistan and across the Muslim world.
In a statement, International Astronomical Centre (IAC) said it expected that Monday, June 19, will be the first day of the month of Zilhaj in many countries, and Tuesday, June 27, will be the day of Arafah, and Wednesday, June 28, will be the first day of Eidul Azha.
In Pakistan, the 18th of June will be the 28th of Zilqad whereas the meeting of the moon sighting committee for observing the crescent will be held on Monday, June 19, which is the 29th of Zilqad.
The first Zilhaj in Pakistan is expected to fall on Tuesday, June 20 or Wednesday, June 21. Consequently, Eidul Azha in the country may occur on Thursday, June 29, or Friday, June 30.
Read more: PMD reveals likely date for Eidul Azha
According to the IAC, the majority of Muslim countries will make efforts to sight the moon of Zilhaj on 29th of Zilqad, which is June 18 in many countries. It noted that the moon will be difficult to observe using a telescope from the central and western parts of the Islamic world.
It said that the moon will set 7 minutes after sunset, with an age of 6.5 hours in Jakarta. In Abu Dhabi, the moon will set 29 minutes after sunset, with an age of 12.4 hours. Visibility in Jakarta and Abu Dhabi is not possible even with a telescope.
In Riyadh, the moon will set 31 minutes after sunset, with an age of 13 hours. In Amman and Jerusalem, the moon will set 37 minutes after sunset, with an age of 13.8 hours.
Eidul Azha commemorates the Quranic tale of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah, before the Almighty replaced the son with a ram to be sacrificed instead.
It marks the end of an annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, and should be undertaken by every Muslim who can afford to do so.
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