The first day of the Hijri month of Dhul Hijjah will fall on Wednesday, July 22, according to Qatar Calendar House (QCH).

Based on astronomical calculations by QCH, the day of Arafat will be on Thursday, July 30, 2020.

QCH astronomer, Dr Beshir Marzouk said, the new crescent of Dhul Hijjah 1441 H will be born Monday evening, 29 Dhul Qa'da (July 20) - at 08:34 pm Doha local time, so it is not possible to see the crescent at sunset Monday by the eye or with astronomical devices in the skies of Qatar and all the countries of the Arab and Islamic region.

Therefore, Tuesday, July 21 will be the last day of Dhul Qa'da, said Dr Marzouk stated.

The day of Arafat, which is the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, holds immense importance for Muslims. It is on this day that the pilgrims in Mecca stand on the plains of Mount Arafat and engage in constant prayers and supplications.

It is also recommended for Muslims who are not observing the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to fast on the day and engage in acts of worship.

Hajj this year has been scaled back to a very limited number of pilgrims due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Only about 1,000 pilgrims residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be allowed to perform the Hajj this year,  according to Al Jazeera.

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Source: Gulf Times