Eid al-Adha Falls on 20 July, Gov’t Announces

An isbat meeting to determine the first day of Zulhijjah 1442 Hijri is held online. (Photo by: Ministry of Religious Affairs PR)

The Government Saturday (10/7) announced that this year’s Eid al-Adha (Day of Sacrifice) will fall on Tuesday on 20 July.

Minister of Religious Yaqut Cholil Qoumas made the announcement after leading a limited isbat (determination) meeting on the first day of the month of Zulhijjah 1442 Hijri in Jakarta.

“The position of hilal (the new moon) across Indonesia is already above the horizon, ranging from 2 degrees 21 minutes to 4 degrees 14 minutes. In addition, the hilal is also spotted based on the report. By consensus, the meeting declared that 1 Zulhijjah 1442 H falls on Sunday, 11 July 2021; thereby, Eid al-Adha 10 Zulhijjah 1442 H falls on 20 July 2021,” the Minister said.

Following the enforcement of Emergency Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM Darurat) in the islands of Java and Bali, this year’s isbat meeting was held online and attended by Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Abdullah Jaidi, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Commission VIII overseeing social affairs Yandri Susanto, Director General of Islamic Community Guidance of Ministry of Religious Affairs Kamaruddin Amin, ambassadors of friendly countries, representatives of ministries / institutions, and representatives of Islamic organizations.

On that occasion, Yaqut Cholil urged the public to follow provisions in circulars issued by Ministry of Religious Affairs.

For the record, the Ministry has issued Circular Number 16 of 2021 on guidance for takbiran (tradition of chanting praises to God) in the eve before Eid al-Adha and slaughtering of sacrificial animals outside regions where the Emergency PPKM is enforced and Circular Number 17 of 2021 on temporary prohibition of prayer observed at places of worship, takbiran parade, Eid al-Adha prayer and technical guidance for slaughtering of sacrificial animals for Eid al-Adha 1442 H in regions where the Emergency PPKM is enforced.

“During distribution of meat of the sacrificial animals, the committee must deliver it to the recipients’ house; thus, there must not be people lining up to get the meat just like in the previous years,” he said.

The Minister also reminded the public to maintain discipline in adhering to the health protocols since protecting ourselves means protecting our neighborhood. (Ministry of Religious Affairs PR /UN) (RAS/EP)