By Sidi Ould Abdel-Malek
NOUAKCHOTT
Mauritania will celebrate the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha next Sunday, the country's moon-sighting panel has announced.
In a statement, the government-run Central Moon Sighting Committee said next Sunday would be the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which marks the first day of Eid al-Adha.
According to the committee, the new moon of the lunar month was sighted on Thursday.
The decision is expected to cause controversy as it contradicts with an earlier announcement by Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, that the first day of Eid will fall on Saturday.
Most Arab and Islamic nations usually follow Saudi Arabia, which houses the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina, due to the fact that Eid al-Adha is associated with rituals of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Millions of Muslims from across the globe flock to Saudi Arabia every year for the spiritual journey.
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