KSA, Gulf states to celebrate Eidul Azha on Sep 12

RIYADH (92 News) – The annual Muslim feast of Eidul Azha 2016 will be celebrated on Monday, September 12, after religious authorities in the kingdom failed to sight the Moon on September 1. Saudi Arabia’s High Judiciary Council said that the new moon was not spotted tonight (Thursday), which means the first day of Eidul Azha will be on September 12. The Saudi Royal Court began the all important meeting after Maghrib prayers on Thursday September 01, 2016 corresponding to 29th of Dhulka'edah 1437 AH. The Eidul Azha is Islam's holiest festival celebrated annually around the world and an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. In the Islamic calendar, Eidul Azha occurs on the 10th day of the Dhu al-Hijjah and is also the third day of the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. For Muslims, Eid al-Adha commemorates the day when prophet Abraham was going to sacrifice his son but was instructed by God to offer an animal instead. Eid al-Adha in Arabic literally means "festival of the sacrifice". Traditionally, the festival lasts for four days but public holidays vary from country to country.