The sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah has been officially confirmed, and tomorrow is the first day of the month
In breaking news awaited by millions of Muslims worldwide, the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah, making tomorrow the first day of the blessed month. This announcement heralds the beginning of the Hajj season and the commencement of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, considered among the best days of the year in Islam, as the eyes of the Muslim world turn towards the holy sites to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.
Details of the Supreme Court's announcement regarding the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia called upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah on Tuesday evening, corresponding to the 30th of Dhu al-Qa'dah according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, and the 29th of Dhu al-Qa'dah 1447 AH according to the Supreme Court's decision, which corresponds to May 17, 2026. Based on reports from moon-sighting committees and astronomical observatories distributed across several regions, the sighting of the crescent moon was confirmed, thus definitively determining the date of the Day of Arafah and the beginning of Eid al-Adha.
The historical and religious context of the month of Hajj
Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, and one of the four sacred months that God Almighty has honored. The historical context of this blessed month extends back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who raised the foundations of the Ancient House (the Kaaba) and called people to perform Hajj. This great legacy continued until the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who established the rituals of Hajj during the Farewell Pilgrimage, making it an annual ritual that unites Muslims from all corners of the earth. Determining the beginning of this month is not merely a change in the calendar, but rather a continuation of a long history of faith and monotheism that connects the present of the Muslim community to its rich past.
Great importance and wide Islamic influence
The announcement of the start of Dhul-Hijjah carries immense significance and far-reaching implications. Locally in Saudi Arabia, this announcement signals the commencement of intensified efforts and final preparations to welcome the pilgrims, with all government and private sectors joining forces to ensure their safety and security and facilitate the performance of their rituals. Regionally and internationally, this event unites over 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide in shared spiritual sentiments. During this time, Muslims across the globe prepare to observe the Day of Arafah, which expiates the sins of two years, and prepare their sacrificial animals to commemorate the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), thus reinforcing the values of social solidarity and compassion within the Muslim community.
The virtue of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
The importance of this month is not limited to pilgrims alone, but extends to all Muslims, thanks to the first ten days which God swore by in the Holy Quran, saying: “By the dawn and the ten nights.” It is recommended during these days to increase good deeds, such as fasting, giving charity, reciting the Quran, and glorifying God. Recognizing these days is a great opportunity to renew faith and draw closer to God, making the announcement of the new moon a moment of joy and anticipation that spreads throughout the Islamic world.
