Astronomer: Eid Al Adha 2025 is Saturday, June 7 in Morocco
Rabat — Ibrahim Akhyam, a researcher in the science of timekeeping and a member of the Islamic Moon Sighting Project, said Moroccans are expected to celebrate Eid Al Adha 2025 on Saturday, June 7.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has tasked its delegates to observe the crescent moon for Dhu Al Hijjah on Tuesday.
The tenth of Dhu Al Hijjah marks Eid Al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God.
Muslims commemorate the sacred event by slaughtering a sheep.
This year, however, Morocco has canceled the Eid Al Adha sacrifice rite due to drought and a notable decrease in the herd population.
However, the country will celebrate the other rites as usual, including morning prayers of Eid, family visits, exchanges, among other rituals.
Astronomer Akhyam told Morocco World News (MWN) today that crescent moon researchers are divided over the exact timing of this year's date, with some favoring Friday, June 6, as the date of Eid Al Adha but others June 7.
Akhyam is among those who are leaning toward Saturday, June 7, noting that sighting the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah with the naked eye will be difficult in Morocco on Tuesday evening.
'This is primarily due to the insufficient age of the crescent moon and the minimal availability of other scientific criteria needed to confirm the possibility of sighting,' he told MWN.
He concluded that with the crescent moon not likely visible on Tuesday evening, Eid Al Adha in Morocco is expected to fall on Saturday, June 7.
'It's important to note that these astronomical calculations are only a scientific aid to help guide the sighting process,' he added, noting that the official date will be ultimately confirmed by authorized religious authorities. Tags: Eid Al Adhaeid al adha cancelled
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