Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court is calling on Muslims in the country to look for the new moon on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 1, QNA reports.

If it’s seen, that means the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah has begun, and the first day of Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on Sept. 11.

If there is no new moon, Eid festivities will begin on Sept. 12, as the holiday is always celebrated on the 10th day of that Islamic month.

Eid coincides with Hajj, a pilgrimage that millions of Muslims make to holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

Preparations

During this holiday, Muslims sacrifice an animal (usually a sheep, goat or cow) as something of an offering to God as the Prophet Abraham once did.

The meat is then distributed among themselves, family and friends and those in need.

Preparations are already underway in Qatar to mark the holiday.

Under the theme “Capture Joy,” the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is organizing a week of entertainment at malls and other venues.

Meanwhile, authorities are stepping up hygiene inspections of eateries, market stalls, sweet shops and abattoirs in the run-up to Eid Al Adha.

Thoughts?