The holy month of Dhul-Hijjah has officially begun in Bangladesh, as the crescent moon was sighted this Wednesday evening.
Consequently, Thursday marks the first day of Dhul-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar year 1446 Hijri. Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, will be celebrated in Bangladesh on Friday (June 7).
The decision was announced following a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the premises of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka. The meeting was presided over by A F M Khalid Hossain, advisor to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
In Saudi Arabia, the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday, meaning Dhul-Hijjah began there a day earlier. As a result, the country will observe Eid-ul-Azha on Thursday (June 6), and the holy Hajj pilgrimage will take place on Wednesday (June 5).
Eid-ul-Azha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. Muslims around the world mark the occasion with prayers, the sacrifice of animals, and charitable acts.
