The Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah tomorrow
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia issued an official statement calling upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah on the evening of tomorrow, corresponding to the 29th of Dhu al-Qi'dah, 1447 AH, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar. This call comes as part of the ongoing commitment to upholding the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and determining the precise beginnings of the Islamic months, which are linked to significant religious observances of importance to Muslims worldwide.
Details of the Supreme Court's statement 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), which indicated that Saturday, the 1st of Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH (according to the Umm al-Qura calendar), completed the month of Shawwal, making it thirty days long. Therefore, Sunday, the 2nd of Dhu al-Qi'dah, is the actual first day of Dhu al-Qi'dah. Accordingly, the search for the crescent moon will take place on the evening of Sunday, the 29th of Dhu al-Qi'dah, as per the Supreme Court's decision, corresponding to May 17, 2026. The Court urged anyone who sights the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or using astronomical telescopes, to promptly report their sighting to the nearest court to register their testimony, or to contact the nearest governorate center to facilitate their access to the competent court.
The religious and historical significance of the month of Dhul-Hijjah
The month of Dhul-Hijjah holds a special place in Islamic history and the religious consciousness of Muslims. It is the month in which Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is performed, a pilgrimage to which millions yearn annually. Historically, since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Muslims have relied on the visual sighting of the new moon to determine the times for religious observances, in accordance with his noble guidance. The importance of this month is not limited to the pilgrims alone, but extends to the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, during which it is recommended to increase good deeds and fasting, culminating in the great Day of Arafah and the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
Local and Islamic influence on determining the beginning of the month
The significance of the announcement of the new moon's sighting extends far beyond the local level, encompassing the entire Muslim world. Locally in Saudi Arabia, this announcement marks the beginning of peak organizational, security, and health preparations to serve pilgrims at the holy sites, as well as determining official holiday dates for both the public and private sectors. Regionally and internationally, millions of Muslims worldwide, and Islamic centers in non-Muslim countries, eagerly await the statement from the Saudi Supreme Court. This announcement serves as the primary reference for unifying the date of the Hajj pilgrimage at Arafat, and consequently, for unifying the Muslim world's celebration of Eid al-Adha, thus strengthening the bonds of unity and solidarity among Muslims everywhere.
The role of official committees and the community in sighting the new moon
In closing, the Supreme Court expressed its hope that those with keen eyesight and the ability to observe the new moon would pay close attention to this important religious matter. It called upon them to join the official committees established in various regions of the Kingdom for this noble purpose. Participation in these committees is not only a religious and social duty, but also a great opportunity to earn reward and blessings from God Almighty, as it constitutes cooperation in righteousness and piety, and benefits all Muslims by accurately and reliably determining the times for their rituals and acts of worship.
