File Photo: Muslim pilgrims gather at the top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. AFP
The country’s highest authority for issuing religious edicts confirmed that the first day of the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah for the Hijri year 1446 will be Wednesday, 28 May.
Accordingly, the Day of Arafat—the sacred day marking the second day of Hajj and preceding Eid Al-Adha—will fall on Thursday, 5 June.
Earlier today, Saudi Arabia announced that Eid Al-Adha will be observed on 6 June.
Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims, along with Eid Al-Fitr. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
It also marks the start of the annual Hajj or the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who have the means to do so.
More than one million pilgrims from various countries have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, according to Saudi authorities.
Last year, more than 1.8 million Muslims performed Hajj, according to official figures.
Short link: