Muslims all over the world will soon be celebrating the second holy festival of the year in the annual Eid al-Adha.
Like most festivals that fall in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha doesn't fall on the same date every year due to being tracked by the lunar calendar. According to Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah - the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar.
Similar to the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the start of Dhu al-Hijjah is only confirmed once the first faint crescent of the new moon is sighted. Fortunately, there are public offices all around the world that keep an eye out for Muslims to confirm the date.
Read more: Police hunting for man from Gorton wanted on recall to prison
Currently, it is predicted that Dhul Hiljjah will begin on Thursday, June 30 which means Eid al-Adha will begin on Saturday, July 9. However, there still may be some variation in the dates if the crescent moon is sighted before or after Thursday.
According to the HM Nautical Almanac Office, which provides astronomical data to a wide variety of organisations in the UK, the new moon will be born at 3.52am on Wednesday, June 29. Despite this, it's important to contact your local mosque if you're unsure on the start date for Dhu al-Hijah.
Currently, Didsbury Mosque has not provided an official date for Eid al-Adha and will release the date subject to the sighting of the moon.
Eid al-Adha is one of the biggest festivals for Muslims, alongside Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan. Otherwise known as the Festival of Sacrifice, it honours the story of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who was so obedient to God (more commonly referred to by the Arabic word Allah) that he was willing to sacrifice his own son at God's command.
However, before Ibrahim carried out the difficult request, God interjected and placed a lamb instead for him to sacrifice. To commemorate this, an animal is traditionally sacrificed on Eid al-Adha and is then divided into three parts.
In an act known as Qurbani, one part of the animal is given to the poor, one part to the immediate family, and one part reserved for relatives. Other acts of charity are also carried out during Eid al-Adha, such as monetary donations to poor families in order to provide an Eid feast.
Read next:
- Woman, 21, given terrifying diagnosis after visiting GP with blurred vision
- Protesters BOO Andy Burnham at first public meeting since release of damning Child Sexual Exploitation report
- ITV Coronation Street first-look wedding photos that include nod to the past
- A ringleader of Rochdale's infamous sex grooming gang has avoided deportation, tribunal hears
- "I'm on less than minimum wage..." Manchester's courts grind to a halt after barristers walk out in pay row
