Debate reignited over date to mark Eid al-Adha

The issue of moon sighting to determine the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and the day of Eid al-Adha has once again ignited debate among Muslim scholars.

The Kenya Muslim National Advisory Council chairman Sheikh Juma Ngao speaking in Mombasa stated the office of the Chief Kadhi is the one mandated to announce the start of the Islamic holy month and celebrations, and not any other Islamic body.

This comes following an announcement by the Kenya Fatwa Council which declared Eid al-Adha would be celebrated on Monday next week, contrary to the Chief Kadhi’s announcement the day will be observed on Sunday this week.

“Let us allow the office of Chief Kadhi to declare which day the Muslim faithful will mark Eid al-Adha,” stated Sheikh Juma.

Sheikh Ngao urged Islamic bodies and scholars to work together for the benefit of the Muslim community.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God.

It is the second major Muslim festival after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

The festival is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and exact date varies each year depending on sighting of the moon.