Written by: Badr Ahmed

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah for the year 1447 AH, confirming that tomorrow, Monday, will be the first day of the holy month, after the crescent moon was observed by the competent authorities and Sharia courts in various regions of the Kingdom.

The Supreme Court announces the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah and sets the date for Eid al-Adha.

Based on this announcement, the date of Arafat Day has been set for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while the first day of Eid al-Adha will be Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The Saudi announcement came after the annual sessions to observe the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah, which take place at sunset on the 29th day of Dhu al-Qa’dah. The Kingdom relies on the legitimate sighting of the crescent, along with modern astronomical methods, to determine the beginnings of the Hijri months, especially the months associated with major religious occasions such as the Hajj season and Eid al-Adha.

Muslims around the world are awaiting Saudi Arabia’s announcement regarding the start of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, given its connection to the Hajj season and the performance of the fifth pillar of Islam, in addition to determining the date of Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha, which is one of the most important religious occasions for Muslims.

With the official announcement, intensive preparations began within the Kingdom to receive pilgrims coming from various countries around the world to perform the Hajj rituals, amidst organizational and health procedures aimed at facilitating the movement of pilgrims and ensuring their safety during the performance of the rituals, especially in the holy sites in Makkah and the surrounding areas.

The Day of Arafah is one of the most important days of the year for Muslims, when pilgrims stand on the plains of Arafat to perform the most important rite of Hajj. Muslims around the world observe this blessed day by fasting and engaging in supplication and acts of worship. Eid al-Adha is also marked by the Eid prayer, the sacrifice of animals, and their distribution to the poor and needy, all within an atmosphere of spirituality and social solidarity.

Several Arab and Islamic countries are expected to announce the results of the Dhu al-Hijjah crescent sighting in the coming hours, amid expectations that the majority of countries will agree with the Saudi announcement regarding the start date of the holy month and the days of Eid al-Adha.