The beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, has been announced by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia. Eid-ul-Azha 2023 will be celebrated on June 28 in the kingdom with the crescent’s sighting, according to an Al Arabiya report. The Hajj pilgrimage, one of Islam’s “Five Pillars”, is performed in Makkah during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this time, Muslims from all over the world congregate there. Read: Astronomers reveal expected date of Eid-ul-Azha 2023 The ninth day of Dhul Hijjah is known as the Day of Arafat. Millions of pilgrims from around the world congregate on this day in an act of faith and devotion on the plain of Arafat, close to Makkah. Muslims all over the world will commemorate Eid-ul-Azha, popularly known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” after the Day of Arafat. This significant Islamic holiday honours Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice to Allah. But before he could offer his son, Allah gave him a lamb, which he was to sacrifice in place of his son. Muslims recall this miraculous intervention each year. Read: 90 lakh Eid holidaymakers to leave Dhaka by road: SCRF Muslims sacrifice an animal, usually a lamb or a cow, in accordance with ritual on Eid-ul-Azha to commemorate this occasion. Following that, the meat is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the underprivileged. This act of giving emphasises the importance of the community, empathy, and charity that are fundamental to both the holiday and the Islamic faith.

The Hajj and Umrah Ministry of Saudi Arabia has recommended pilgrims to perform Umrah just once during the holy month of Ramadan. To avoid crowding and guarantee that pilgrims have a simple and straightforward travel to the sites, the ministry recommended Muslims to undertake Umrah just once throughout the holy month, reports Al Arabiya. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Saudi officials were concerned about overcrowding at the holy sites because they wanted to make sure that travelers were safe at all times, it said. Read More: Saudi govt reduces Umrah insurance cost for foreign pilgrims by 63% The Nusuk app allows Muslims from all over the world to apply to participate in the pilgrimage and plan their whole trip there, including applying for a eVisa and arranging accommodations and flights, the report also said. Except for during Hajj, any period of the year is permissible for Muslims to go to Makkah to perform Umrah. Many people aspire to do Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Read More: Route to Mecca: MoU signed to make Bangladeshi pilgrims' Saudi visits easier