Muscat – Based on astronomical calculations, the first day of Eid al Adha in Oman this year will be observed on Friday, June 6 according to Dr Subaih bin Rahman al Saadi, an expert in celestial sciences.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Saadi said the conjunction of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH with the sun will occur at 7:03:29am local time on Tuesday, May 27. The crescent is expected to be visible later that evening across most governorates of Oman, as well as in various Arab and Islamic countries.

He explained that in Muscat, the moon will set approximately 36 minutes after sunset at an angular distance of about 8° from the sun and an elevation of 7° above the western horizon. “These conditions confirm that Wednesday, May 28 will be the first day of Dhul Hijjah,” he said.

Based on this calculation, Thursday, June 5, will mark the Day of Arafah and Eid al Adha will begin on Friday, June 6.

Saadi offered prayers for a peaceful and blessed Eid al Adha. “We pray to God to return this blessed time to all Muslims with goodness and blessings throughout the world.”

He also offered supplications for Oman, saying, “We sincerely ask God to bless Oman under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. May Oman remain a beacon of peace, security and safety, and may His Majesty the Sultan, the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic nation be blessed and prosperous every year.”

As per Royal Decree No 88/2022, Eid al Adha holiday is observed from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12. If the first day of Eid falls on a Friday, a compensatory day will be granted as holiday.