Waikato Muslim Association strongly encourages its members to attempt to sight the new moon of the month of Dhul Hijjah in the twilight of Sunday 11 July 2021 (29 Dhul-Qa'dah 1442H).
"It is a Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to go out moon-sighting to seek the new moon of Dhul Hijjah," said Asad Mohsin, president of the Association.
This day is also relevant for those intending to offer an udhiya (sacrifice) for Eid ul Adha.
"We are reminded of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who refrained from cutting his hair and nails from the beginning of Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice is completed," he said.
"This allows us to share in some of the practices of our brothers and sisters performing the Hajj, the annual great pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia," said Asad Mohsin.
Moon sightings should be reported urgently to the FIANZ office (04 387 8023) or Sheikh Mohammad Amir (021 2424 560).
If the new moon is sighted, Eid ul Adha will fall on Wednesday 21 July. If not, it will fall on Thursday 22 July.
Answers to frequently asked questions about moon sighting can be found at the FIANZ website here.
