Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan’s Taliban have announced different dates for Eid al-Adha, with most of the Islamic world set to observe the holiday on Friday, June 6, while the Taliban have declared Saturday, June 7, as the official start of the holiday in Afghanistan.
Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Oman, and Indonesia, confirmed the sighting of the Dhu al-Hijjah crescent moon on Tuesday evening, setting Wednesday as the first day of the Islamic month and Friday as Eid al-Adha. The Day of Arafah, one of the most sacred days in Islam, will fall on Thursday.
In contrast, the Taliban’s Supreme Court announced that moon-sighting committees across Afghanistan had also confirmed the crescent on Tuesday, May 27, but designated Saturday, June 7, as the first day of Eid. Taliban said Wednesday would be the final day of Dhu al-Qi’dah, the preceding month.
Other countries, including Malaysia and Brunei, reported no moon sighting on Tuesday and will begin Dhu al-Hijjah on Thursday. They too have announced Saturday as the date of Eid al-Adha.
The divergence has led to a rare split in the observance of one of Islam’s most important holidays. While local variations in moon-sighting are common, Afghanistan’s break with Saudi Arabia’s timetable stands out, particularly as the kingdom is traditionally seen as a reference point for Islamic observances.
Eid al-Adha commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. The holiday, marked by communal prayers and animal sacrifice, coincides with the final days of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
