The Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah tomorrow
In an official announcement awaited by millions, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia issued an important statement calling upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah on Sunday evening, corresponding to the 29th of Dhu al-Qi'dah, 1447 AH, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, which corresponds to May 17, 2026 CE. This call comes as part of preparations to welcome one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar, associated with significant religious observances.
Details of the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah
The Supreme Court, in its statement, clarified the details of Decision No. (206/H) issued on 29/10/1447 AH, which stipulated that Saturday, 1/11/1447 AH (18/4/2026 CE), would complete the month of Shawwal, making it thirty days long, and that Sunday, 2/11/1447 AH (19/4/2026 CE), would be the first day of Dhu al-Qi'dah. Accordingly, the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah will take place on the evening of Sunday, 29 Dhu al-Qi'dah. The Court urged anyone who sights the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or using binoculars, to report it to the nearest court and register their testimony, or to contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the court.
The historical and legal roots of moon sighting in Islam
The sighting of the new moon is a confirmed Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) and a historical practice deeply rooted in Islamic culture. Since the dawn of Islam, Muslims have relied on visual observation to determine the beginnings of lunar months, in accordance with the Prophet's teachings. In Saudi Arabia, this ritual has taken on a precise institutional character, with the Supreme Court responsible for collecting and verifying testimonies in cooperation with official moon-sighting committees and astronomical observatories distributed throughout the Kingdom. This integration of traditional sighting with precise astronomical calculations reflects the Kingdom's commitment to meticulous accuracy in determining religious seasons, and is an extension of a long history of care for Islamic rituals and ensuring their performance at the correct times.
The great importance of determining the beginning of the month and its impact on the Islamic world
The significance of this event extends far beyond the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, encompassing the entire Muslim world. The sighting of the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah determines the dates for the most important Islamic rituals, most notably the standing at Arafat, the cornerstone of Hajj, and the day of Eid al-Adha. Locally, all government and private sectors in the Kingdom mobilize to the highest degree to serve the pilgrims immediately upon the announcement of the new moon. Regionally and internationally, the eyes of over 1.5 billion Muslims turn towards Mecca and the Saudi Supreme Court, as many Muslim countries and Muslim minorities in the West rely on the Saudi announcement to unify their religious observances, rituals, and celebrations, highlighting the Kingdom's leading and spiritual role.
How to participate in moon sighting committees and calculate the reward
The Supreme Court concluded its statement by urging citizens and residents with keen eyesight and the ability to observe the new moon to pay attention to this important religious matter. It called upon them to join the committees formed in various regions for this purpose, emphasizing the importance of seeking reward and recompense from God Almighty for this participation. This act is considered an act of cooperation in righteousness and piety, and it brings great benefit to all Muslims across the globe. We ask God to guide everyone to what He loves and is pleased with.
