In Pakistan, the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah has been sighted, confirming that Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on Monday, June 17. The announcement came after a meeting of Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Karachi on Friday.
Moon Sighting Announcement
Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, stated that testimonies of moon sightings were received from various parts of the country. “Eid al-Adha will be observed on Monday, June 17, in Pakistan,” he announced. This news has brought joy to Muslims across the nation as they prepare for one of the most significant Islamic festivals.
Eid al-Adha Significance
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is an important Islamic holiday celebrated worldwide. It honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. However, Allah provided a ram to sacrifice instead. The festival involves special prayers, feasts, and the act of sacrificing an animal, usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, to commemorate this event. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
Comparison with Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the moon was sighted on Thursday, making the Day of Arafat (the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage) on June 15. Consequently, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on Sunday, June 16, in Saudi Arabia. The difference in the celebration dates is due to the moon sighting, which can vary by a day or two across different countries.
Preparations for Eid
With the announcement of Eid al-Adha, preparations are in full swing across Pakistan. Markets are bustling with people buying new clothes, groceries, and sacrificial animals. The atmosphere is filled with excitement as families get ready to celebrate together. The tradition of sacrificing animals is central to Eid al-Adha, and people are keen on selecting the best animals for the ritual.
Economic and Social Impact
Eid al-Adha has a significant economic impact as well. The sale of livestock sees a massive surge during this period. Livestock markets, known as “bakra mandis,” spring up in various parts of the country, attracting buyers from all over. This time of year also sees an increase in charitable activities, as people are encouraged to share the meat of the sacrificial animals with the needy.
The festival also has social implications, fostering a sense of community and compassion. Families gather to celebrate, and it’s a time for communal prayers, feasts, and giving. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with relatives and friends, reinforcing social bonds.
Public Safety Measures
Given the current global health situation, authorities have emphasized the need for maintaining safety protocols during Eid celebrations. Public gatherings should adhere to health guidelines to prevent the spread of illnesses. Mosques and Eidgahs (open spaces for Eid prayers) will likely implement measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, and hand sanitizing stations to ensure the safety of the attendees.
Eid Prayers and Celebrations
On the day of Eid, Muslims will gather in mosques and open grounds to offer the special Eid prayer, which is followed by a sermon. The prayer is a time for spiritual reflection and community bonding. After the prayers, the ritual sacrifice of the animal is performed, and the meat is distributed.
Conclusion
The sighting of the Dhu al-Hijjah moon and the announcement of Eid al-Adha bring a wave of happiness and religious fervor across Pakistan. As families and communities prepare for this significant festival, the spirit of sacrifice, charity, and togetherness will once again highlight the core values of Islam. The preparations and celebrations, though slightly varied in dates from Saudi Arabia, reflect a unified sense of devotion and festive joy among Muslims worldwide.