Muslims across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and much of the Islamic world celebrated Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, while nearly 140,000 worshippers gathered at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque despite Israeli restrictions.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES NEWS
Millions of Muslims across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states, and several other Muslim-majority countries celebrated Eid Al Adha on Wednesday with prayers, sacrifice rituals, and family gatherings.
At the same time, around 140,000 Muslim worshippers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem to offer Eid prayers despite restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities at the gates of the Old City and the mosque compound.
According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, worshippers filled the courtyards surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque from early morning as Muslims marked the first day of Eid Al Adha at Islam’s third-holiest site.
Meanwhile, countries including India, Bangladesh, Brunei, and South Africa announced that Eid Al Adha would instead be celebrated on Thursday due to differing moon-sighting decisions.
Religious authorities in those countries confirmed that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah was sighted later according to local observations.
In Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait, large Eid congregations gathered at mosques and open grounds after authorities earlier confirmed the start of Dhul Hijjah.
Pilgrims performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia also completed Wuquf Arafah before moving toward Muzdalifah and Mina for the remaining pilgrimage rituals.
The differing Eid dates once again highlighted how Islamic holidays are determined according to local moon sightings, geographical conditions, and regional religious rulings.
Eid Al Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Muslims worldwide mark the occasion through prayers, charity, animal sacrifice, and acts of compassion.
