Saudi Arabia: Monday is the first of Dhul-Hijjah, and the Day of Arafah is May 26
Saudi Supreme Court announces the start of Dhu al-Hijjah
The official authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Supreme Court, announced that Monday marks the beginning of the month of Dhul-Hijjah for the current Hijri year. Based on this official announcement, awaited by millions of Muslims worldwide, it has been decided that the Day of Arafah, the most important pillar of Hajj, will fall on May 26th. This announcement follows the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah, definitively establishing the schedule of Hajj rituals, the date of Eid al-Adha, and the beginning of the blessed ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
The importance of sighting the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah and the historical context
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, and therefore, the sighting of the new moon at the beginning of each lunar month, especially Dhul-Hijjah, holds immense religious and historical significance. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia calls upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to observe the new moon, relying on official moon-sighting committees distributed across various regions and advanced astronomical observatories. This procedure, followed since the dawn of Islam, ensures the precise determination of religious times, which are linked to major acts of worship such as Hajj, fasting, and the sacrifice of animals. Once the sighting is confirmed, the announcement is disseminated and becomes the primary reference for Islamic countries and Muslim minorities in determining the dates of their religious observances.
The significance of the Day of Arafah and the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
The month of Dhul-Hijjah holds a special place in Islam, being one of the sacred months that God Almighty has honored. The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered among the best days, during which it is recommended to increase good deeds and remembrance of God. The Day of Arafah, which will fall on May 26th according to the announcement, represents the pinnacle of Hajj. On this solemn day, pilgrims gather on the sacred plain of Arafat, supplicating and seeking forgiveness in a scene of faith that embodies the equality and unity of Muslims. For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is a highly recommended act that expiates the sins of two years, making it an exceptional day on a spiritual and religious level.
Local and international impact and the Kingdom's preparations
Domestically, the announcement of the first day of Dhul-Hijjah marks the start of the final operational plans for the Hajj season. All government and private sectors in Saudi Arabia, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, security, and health sectors, mobilize to ensure the best possible services for pilgrims and facilitate their movement between the holy sites with ease and peace of mind. Regionally and internationally, this announcement sets the pace for preparations in Muslim countries to celebrate Eid al-Adha, as markets begin to pick up in anticipation of purchasing sacrificial animals and other holiday necessities, reflecting a wide-ranging economic and social impact that extends to all Muslim communities worldwide.
