Eid-ul-Adha 2023: When will Muslims in India sight crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah to mark Bakra Eid or Eid-ul-Zuha

The moon sighting for Eid-ul-Adha or Eid-al-Adha (also known as Eid-ul-Zuha, Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Bakhreid, Eid Qurban, Qurban Bayarami or the Feast of Sacrifice) holds significant importance for Muslims as it determines the exact date of the festival as the sighting of the crescent or the new moon marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, the tenth day of which is celebrated as Eid-ul-Adha. However, the moon sighting process varies depending on the region and local traditions.

Traditionally, Muslim communities rely on eyewitness testimonies from reliable sources to confirm the sighting of the new moon where local religious authorities or committees often oversee the process and skilled observers are appointed to look for the crescent moon shortly after sunset on the 29th day of the preceding Islamic month. If the moon is sighted and confirmed by these individuals, the announcement of the onset of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah (the twelfth or last month of the Islamic or lunar calendar) is announced and simultaneously, the date of Eid-ul-Adha is declared.

However, if the moon is not sighted, the month of Dhul Hijjah is extended by a day and the moon sighting process is repeated on the following evening after maghrib prayers. In recent years, advancements in technology have facilitated the moon sighting process and many Muslims now use astronomical calculations and scientific data to predict the visibility of the moon accurately.

This approach combines traditional practices with scientific knowledge to determine the start of the Islamic month but it is important to note that different regions or communities may follow different methods and criteria for moon sighting. Some rely solely on local sightings while others consider global sightings or rely on official announcements from designated authorities however, the goal is to ensure the unity and consensus within the Muslim community regarding the start of important Islamic events such as Eid-ul-Adha.

Ultimately, the moon sighting process for Eid-ul-Adha serves as a means of establishing religious observance and coordinating the celebrations among Muslims worldwide. It adds a sense of anticipation and excitement as communities come together to await the announcement, signifying the start of the festival and the beginning of a time of worship, reflection and acts of devotion.

This year, Muslims in India will gear up to sight the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah post the evening or maghrib prayers on June 19 and if it is sighted, the firt day of the month of Dhul Hijjah will be marked on June 20 and Eid-ul-Adha in the country will be celebrated on June 29 otherwise on June 30. This is because the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhu Al-Hijjah marks the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia (one of Islam’s five pillars) and is followed by Eid al Adha on the tenth day.

Hajj is the pilgrimage that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime if they are able. Eid-ul-Adha is the second major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims after Eid-ul-Fitr and commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim AS (Abraham AS) and his willingness to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God.

Just as Prophet Ibrahim AS was about to sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead, demonstrating His mercy and intervention. This event symbolises the importance of faith, submission to God’s will and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of one’s beliefs.