The Saudi Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah on Sunday
Supreme Court calls for sighting of the crescent moon
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called upon all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah on Sunday evening. This official call comes as part of the effort to determine the beginning of the last month of the Islamic calendar, which is associated with significant religious observances for Muslims worldwide. The Court requested that anyone who sights the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or using binoculars, report their sighting to the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the nearest court to give their statement.
The importance of sighting the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah and its global impact
The sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah holds immense and exceptional importance compared to the other months of the Islamic calendar. Its impact extends beyond the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, encompassing the entire Muslim world. Based on the confirmed sighting of the crescent, the date for the Day of Arafah, the most important pillar of Hajj, is determined, falling on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. The first day of Eid al-Adha, the blessed festival, is also determined, falling on the tenth day of the same month. The eyes of over 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide are fixed on the announcement by the Saudi Supreme Court, as the Hajj pilgrimage takes place exclusively in the holy city of Mecca, making the Saudi decision the sole and fundamental authority for determining these significant religious dates.
Investigation mechanisms and official committees in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relies on a sophisticated network of astronomical observatories distributed across geographically advantageous areas characterized by clear skies and freedom from light pollution, such as the observatories in Hawtat Sudair and Tamir, to determine the start of the new moon. Official moon-sighting committees, comprised of leading experts, astronomers, and religious scholars, work alongside volunteer citizens. The Supreme Court convenes a special session to receive testimonies and compare them with the precise astronomical calculations of the Umm al-Qura calendar to ensure the highest degree of accuracy and reliability before issuing the official statement confirming the beginning of the month.
The historical and religious context of sighting the new moon
Historically, the Islamic lunar calendar relies on the visual sighting of the new moon to determine the beginnings and ends of months, in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has maintained this tradition, while incorporating modern technologies such as binoculars and advanced astronomical telescopes to enhance the accuracy of observation. The month of Dhul-Hijjah, the last of the sacred months, holds profound spiritual significance, as it is a month in which rewards are multiplied and during which the Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam, takes place.
Preparations for the Hajj season in the holy sites
The announcement of the start of Dhul-Hijjah coincides with the peak of preparations for the Hajj season in the Kingdom. As soon as the sighting of the new moon is confirmed, government and private entities begin implementing their final operational plans to receive pilgrims at the holy sites, including Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. These preparations include intensifying health, security, and logistical services to ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims and their performance of the Hajj rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind, reflecting the Kingdom's leading and pivotal role in serving Islam and Muslims.
