The Supreme Court announces the official sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah, making tomorrow the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah for the year 1447 AH. This long-awaited announcement comes after the court had previously called upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to observe the crescent moon this evening, which corresponds to the 30th of Dhu al-Qa'dah according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, and the 29th according to the Supreme Court's decision, corresponding to May 17, 2026. Based on reliable testimonies received by the sighting committees, the beginning of this blessed month, which holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, has been confirmed.
How is the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah investigated and confirmed in the Kingdom?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relies on the sighting of the new moon, either with the naked eye or using modern telescopes, to determine the beginning of the Islamic months. This is a historical and deeply rooted Islamic practice that the country has followed since its founding. The Supreme Court forms specialized committees for moon sighting in various regions of the Kingdom. These committees include experts in astronomy and credible witnesses. The sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah is of paramount importance due to its close connection with the performance of the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage to the Sacred House of God (the Kaaba). Once the sighting is confirmed, the Day of Arafah, which represents the culmination of the Hajj rituals, is determined, as is the day of Eid al-Adha.
The religious significance and great status of the first ten
The month of Dhul-Hijjah holds a special place in the Islamic world, particularly its first ten days, which God Almighty has favored above all other days of the year. With the announcement of the month's arrival, millions of Muslims around the world begin their spiritual and material preparations. Locally in Saudi Arabia, this announcement marks the final signal for government and private entities to provide the highest levels of service and care to the pilgrims who have flocked to Mecca and the holy sites. Security, health, and logistical efforts are combined to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and facilitate the performance of their rituals with complete peace of mind and ease.
The impact of advertising on Muslims in various parts of the world
The impact of this announcement extends beyond Saudi Arabia, reaching the Arab and Muslim worlds regionally and internationally. Many Muslim countries and Islamic centers in Western nations rely on the Saudi Supreme Court's declaration to unify the Hajj rituals and the celebration of Eid al-Adha. This unification strengthens fraternal bonds among Muslims worldwide, as millions fast on the Day of Arafah simultaneously and celebrate Eid in a synchronized manner, reflecting the unity of the Ummah. Furthermore, economic activity in many countries increases with the arrival of the month, particularly in livestock markets as people prepare for the sacrifices, positively impacting local economies.
The Kingdom's ongoing efforts to serve the pilgrims
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has shouldered the immense responsibility of caring for the Two Holy Mosques and serving their visitors. With each announcement of the start of Dhul-Hijjah, these commitments are renewed through the mobilization of all available technological and human resources. In recent years, the Hajj system has witnessed tremendous development thanks to the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the religious experience for pilgrims. From the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques to the development of infrastructure in the holy sites such as Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, efforts continue to ensure that the guests of God perform their rituals in a safe and healthy environment. The anticipation of Muslims for the sighting of the new moon is not merely awaiting astronomical information, but rather a renewed yearning for the largest annual gathering of faith in the world.
