The lunar calendar has 12 months. ^Eed-ul ad-haa is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah which is the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar. This blessed day follows the best day of the year, which is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah – the day on which the pilgrims performing hajj gather in the grounds of ^Arafah close to Makkah in present day Saudi Arabia.
Note that the beginning of a new month is not determined by calculations, but rather by actually sighting the new crescent in compliance with the ahadeeth of the Prophet sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam. The Prophet sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam informed us that the lunar month is either 29 days or 30 days. One looks for the new crescent after the sun has set on the 29th day, if one sees it, then the next day is the first of the next month. However, if due to cloud one does not see it, then one completes 30 days and the next day is “automatically” deemed to be the first.
There are many recommended matters (sunnahs) that one is encouraged to observe on this day. Amongst them is to have a bath. The time of this ghusl starts at the middle of the night and it ends by the sunset and it is better to take this ghusl after Fajr, after the appearance of the dawn.
Note it is haram to fast on the day of ^Eed.
