The sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH has been confirmed: tomorrow is the first day of the month
Breaking – The Supreme Court has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah, making tomorrow the first day of the month and the first day of Dhul-Hijjah for the year 1447 AH. This announcement definitively sets the dates for the Hajj pilgrimage, the Day of Arafah, and the arrival of Eid al-Adha, making it news eagerly awaited by millions of Muslims worldwide.
Supreme Court announcement details
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia had previously called upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah. The call to sight the crescent was issued on the evening of 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, as determined by the Supreme Court, and to May 17, 2026 CE. Based on reports from the courts and moon-sighting committees in various regions of the Kingdom, the crescent was sighted with the naked eye and binoculars, leading to the official announcement of the start of the holy month.
The historical and religious context of the month of Dhul-Hijjah
Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it is one of the sacred months that God Almighty has honored. This month holds profound historical and religious significance in the Muslim consciousness, as it includes the Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered among the best days for Muslims, during which it is recommended to increase good deeds, fasting, and giving charity. These days culminate in the Day of Arafah, which represents the most important pillar of Hajj, followed by the Day of Sacrifice and the blessed Eid al-Adha.
Crescent sighting mechanism and efforts made
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relies on the sighting of the new moon, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), to determine the beginning of lunar months. This process involves collaboration between the Supreme Court, astronomical observatories strategically located, and sighting committees comprised of expert astronomers and reliable witnesses. This combination of precise astronomical calculations and the sighting of the new moon, either with the naked eye or with optical instruments, ensures the accuracy and complete reliability of the announcement.
Local and international impact of sighting the crescent
At the local level, the announcement of the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah marks the final signal to raise the state of maximum alert across all governmental and private sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Work is intensifying in the Ministries of Hajj and Umrah, Health, and Interior to ensure the best possible services are provided to pilgrims and to guarantee the smooth flow of their movement between the holy sites.
At the regional and international levels, this announcement transcends the borders of the Kingdom, impacting the entire Muslim world. Most Muslim countries and Muslim minorities in the West rely on the Kingdom's announcement to determine the dates of Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha, as these rituals are linked to one place: Mecca and the holy sites. Consequently, Muslim families around the world begin planning their holidays, preparing their sacrificial animals, and getting ready to celebrate Eid al-Adha, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among Muslims.
