Eid 2018: What is Hajj? What date is Hajj 2018? Hajj and Eid EXPLAINED

EID AL-ADHA, the second of the two Islamic holidays, celebrated each year, is almost upon us. So what is Hajj? What date is Hajj 2018?

The first celebration, Eid al-Fitr, began on Thursday, June 14 this year, the date determined by the Islamic calendar.

The date of Eid al-Adha, said to be the holier of the two Eids, is also dependant on the lunar calendar each year.

Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar.

In the international solar Gregorian calendar, the dates drift about 11 days earlier each year.

The dates of the upcoming Eid al-Adha are determined by the moon sighting, applied on the 29th day of the 11th month of the lunar calendar.

However, the sighting of the new moon will vary between countries, so the exact date depends on local religious authorities.

In Saudi Arabia, the date of Eid al-Adha determines the date of Hajj.

This year, local news has reported that the crescent was sighted, making Sunday, August 12 the first day of the 12th month and August 21 the first day of Eid al-Adha.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims.

It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims, that must be carried out one in their lifetimes by all adults who can physically and financially undertake the journey.

It is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with Shahadah (belief in the oneness of God and acceptance of Muhammad as prophet), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and Sawm (fasting).

The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah.

Hajj: Muslims gather atop the mountain during the Day of Arafat (Image: Getty )

What date is Hajj 2018?

Hajj begins on the eighth day of the Dhu al-Hijjah, so is also dependant on the moon sighting.

This year, it is due to commence on August 19, and will continue until August 24.

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