When 10 days of Dhul Hijjah 2024 and Day of Arafah start plus rules on fasting and cutting hair or nails

Eid ul-Adha is nearly here for 2024. Eid takes place on the tenth day of the twelfth month, Dhul Hijjah. The start of the eleventh Islamic month, Dhul Quadah, has given us some hints about the probable date for Eid.

Dhul Quadah started on Friday, May 10. As a result the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah in 2024 will begin on June 7, subject to moon sightings. The ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, will therefore be on June 15. The tenth day, Eid ul-Adha, is forecast to be on June 16. The 10 days fall earlier each year by about 10 days, reports Islamic Relief.

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Do you fast during Dhul Hijjah?

During Dhul Hijjah, some scholars advise using this time to do good deeds, such as giving to charity. Many choose to fast during this time for the first nine days, including on the Day of Arafah. Islamic Relief advises that if you can't fast for the whole nine days, you should try your best on the ninth day. Fasting is prohibited on Eid ul-Adha.

Rules around cutting your hair and nails

Islamic Relief advises that scholars say you should avoid cutting your nails and hair from the first day until Eid ul-Adha if you are donating qurbani.

Eid ul-Adha moonsighting dates

The UK-based New Crescent Society has announced that the 29th day of Dhul Qadah will fall on Friday, June 7. Depending on whether the moon is sighted, Dhul Hijjah will begin either the next day or the day after, reports BirminghamLive. Moonset on June 7 is 11.06pm in London.

This means that Eid ul-Adha, which is held on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, is predicted to be either June 17 or 18.

However, it's important to remember that moon sightings can vary globally, so there may be some discrepancies. Saudi Arabia's national calendar currently predicts Eid ul Adha 2024 to be on Sunday, June 16, but this could be revised by religious authorities after reported sightings of the lunar crescent nearer the time.