The festival falls approximately two months and a few days after Eid Al Fitr, as per the Islamic calendar’s (UAE) lunar-based system
After a month of reduced working hours during Ramadan and a nine-day holiday to commemorate the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr, UAE residents have returned to daily life. The longest vacation of the year may be over, but the next best one, perhaps his five-day vacation, is just a few weeks away.
UAE residents are most likely to enjoy a long weekend commemorating Islam’s holiest days, Arafa Day and Eid Al Adha. The holiday will be the second week of June. Sheikh Ayaz Hawji, imam of NGS, and Khateeb of Al Manar Islamic Center said the exact dates would be announced soon.
According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls approximately two months and a few days after Eid al-Fitr. “As the Islamic calendar relies on the lunar cycle, the dates of both Eid festivals are shifted every year, and are moved forward by about 10 to 11 days each year,” Sheikh Ayaz said.
All months in the Islamic Hijri calendar last for 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon appears in the night sky. Arafa’s day falls on his 9th day of Dul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha is celebrated over the following three days.
Likely Eid break dates
As per the Hijri calendar published on the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) website, Dhul Hijjah 1 is likely on Saturday, June 8. Astronomical calculations predict the same date, according to Khadijah Ahmad, operations manager, Dubai Astronomy Group.
If this is the case, Arafah Day is on Sunday, June 16 (Dhul Hijjah 9). Eid Al Adha then is on Monday, June 17 (Dhul Hijjah 10). The break, therefore, is from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19. Including the weekend (Saturday, June 15), that’s five days off to mark the festival. These dates will be revised if needed depending on Moon sightings.
Significance of Eid Al Adha
Eid al-Adha is the festival of sacrifice, and is one of the most significant occasions in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.
Eid al Adha is a reminder of the values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion ingrained in Islamic values. The day begins with Eid prayers at mosques, where Muslims gather to seek blessings and guidance.
Post prayers, they exchange greetings and embrace each other, expressing joy and gratitude.
Delicious feasts are prepared, symbolising the abundance and generosity of God’s blessings.
The highlight of Eid al-Adha celebration is the Qurbani or the act of sacrificing animal which symbolizes Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) act of devotion to Allah.
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 in the community.
