The Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia issued an official statement calling upon all Muslims and residents throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah for the year 1447 AH. The court specified that the sighting would take place on Sunday evening, the 30th of Dhu al-Qa'dah according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, which corresponds to the 29th of Dhu al-Qa'dah 1447 AH, based on the Supreme Court's decision, and is equivalent to May 17, 2026.
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 chronological order of the preceding Hijri months, noting that its previous decision No. (206/H) established that Saturday, April 18, 2026, was the 30th and final day of Shawwal. Accordingly, Sunday, April 19, 2026, was the first day of Dhu al-Qi'dah. Therefore, the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah will take place on the evening of the 29th of Dhu al-Qi'dah. The Court urged anyone who sights the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or using binoculars and astronomical instruments, to promptly report their sighting to the nearest court to register their testimony, or to contact the nearest government center to facilitate their access to the relevant court.
The religious and historical significance of sighting the new moon in Islam
The sighting of the new moon is a confirmed Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) and a great Islamic ritual passed down through generations. Since the dawn of Islam, major acts of worship have been linked to the movement of the moon and the sighting of the crescent, in accordance with the noble Prophetic guidance. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the wise leadership and religious institutions, foremost among them the Supreme Court, give this matter great importance. Specialized official committees are formed in various regions of the Kingdom, comprising a select group of scholars, astronomers, and experienced moon-sighters, to ensure the accuracy of the sighting and a unified approach to determining the beginning of the sacred months.
The impact of announcing the start of the month on Muslims locally and globally
The sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah has an impact not only within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also across the entire Muslim world. Based on this official announcement, the dates for the greatest Islamic ritual, the Hajj pilgrimage, are determined. Millions of pilgrims in Mecca and hundreds of millions of Muslims worldwide await this announcement to learn the Day of Tarwiyah, the Day of Arafah (the most important pillar of Hajj), and the day of Eid al-Adha. This announcement also marks the beginning of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, during which it is recommended to increase good deeds, and determines the date for fasting on the Day of Arafah for those not performing Hajj, as well as the times for sacrificing animals, making it a truly global Islamic event.
A call for community participation and reward
In closing, the Supreme Court extended an open invitation to all those with the ability and visual acuity to observe the new moon, urging them to participate in this important religious matter. It encouraged them to join the official committees established in various regions for this purpose, emphasizing the immense reward from God Almighty for those who participate in this task. Observing the new moon is not merely a routine procedure, but rather an act of cooperation in righteousness and piety, offering great benefit to Muslims worldwide, as it contributes to the accurate and reliable establishment of their calendar and religious practices.
