Asalaam-olaykum,
New moon (Hilal) for the month of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar 1433 AH) has been sighted today Oct 16th, 2012. Saudi Arabia has also confirmed the new moon sighting, therefore 1st Dhul Hijjah will be tomorrow Oct. 17th, 2012 and Eid-ul-Adha will be on Friday Oct 26th.
Please Note: Day of Arafah (Hajj) will be on Thursday Oct. 25th, the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. It is the day when Hajj pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah to pray in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. On this day, Muslims all over the world who do not witness the annual hajj should spend the day in fasting.
There is a great reward to observe fasting on the day of Arafah (Hajj); to do so on Thursday Oct. 25th stop eating at 6:08 am and do Aftaar at 6:18 pm.
Hadith:
Abu Qatadah, may Allah (swt) be pleased with him reported:
The Messenger of Allah (swt), Muhammad sallaahu alayhi wasallam, was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of Arafah. He said, “It is expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.” [Muslim]
Insha-Allah, Tracy Islamic Center will hold Eid-ul-Adha prayer at Tracy Community Center as per the following schedule:
Eid-ul-Adha on Friday Oct.26th
Please do not forget to discuss with your family the importance of the day of Arafah (Hajj) and the Eid ul Adha.
Jazak Allah,
Tracy Islamic Center
Board of Directors
