Kuwaiti media personality Fajr Al-Saeed stirred widespread anger in Iraq after criticizing the religious authority in Najaf, which announced Thursday, June 29, 2023, as the first day of Eid al-Adha. This led to a debate between the followers of Ayatollah Sistani and the Sadr Movement. The office of Ayatollah Ali Sistani stated: "Monday is the complement to the month of Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Tuesday, June 20, 2023, is the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah for the year 1444 AH."
Since Eid al-Adha is related to Hajj, most Muslims follow Saudi Arabia in determining the date of this holiday. However, every year some countries witness discrepancies in the announcement of this holiday. This year, Saudi Arabia announced that the Day of Arafah would be on June 27, and Eid would be on June 28. In response to the religious authority's statement, Fajr Al-Saeed tweeted, "Tell them that Hajj is in Saudi Arabia and that Hajj follows the timing of Saudi Arabia; it is forbidden for a man who does not focus properly. Maybe he does not know that Hajj is in Saudi Arabia, and therefore the pilgrim is linked to Saudi Arabia and its timings, not like Ramadan which differs with us and happens only with us, even if we fast for thirty days."
This provoked negative reactions against her, as some considered her remarks insulting to religious authorities and disrespectful to Sayyid Ali Sistani, prompting her to apologize and retract her comments. She tweeted again, saying, "In a tweet I wrote and deleted for the sake of my beloved people of Iraq, what upsets you upsets me, and if my opinion disturbs you, I will not express it, and do not be upset, your love is a crown on my head, I am proud of it. Your generosity towards me during every visit makes me owe you love and appreciation, and I apologize if any message from me was misunderstood, whether intentionally or unintentionally."
However, this apology did not convince the angry individuals, and no one paid it much attention. For some commentators, it was a good opportunity to criticize political opponents and recall Fajr Al-Saeed's visit to Sadr Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr, sharing pictures and videos of the visit as a means of "condemnation" against Sadr's followers, turning the issue into a subject of debate and mutual accusations between the two factions.
