The Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH

Details of the Supreme Court's call to investigate the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah

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 for the year 1447 AH. The court specified that the sighting would take place on the evening of Sunday, the 29th of Dhu al-Qa'dah 1447 AH (according to the Supreme Court's decision), corresponding to May 17, 2026.

The court explained the details of the calendar in its statement, indicating that Saturday, April 18, 2026, was the 30th and final day of Shawwal, and that Sunday, April 19, 2026, was the first day of Dhu al-Qi'dah. Accordingly, this observation is being conducted to determine the beginning of the blessed month of Hajj.

Methods of investigating and reporting sightings

The Supreme Court urged anyone who sights the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or using binoculars or astronomical telescopes, to promptly report their sighting to the nearest court and register their testimony. It also provided the option to contact the nearest government center for assistance in reaching the court to give their testimony.

The court urged those who have the ability and experience to observe the crescent moon to pay attention to this great religious matter and to join the official committees formed in various regions for this purpose, in anticipation of reward and recompense, and because of the cooperation in righteousness and piety and the benefit to all Muslims.

Historical context and mechanism followed in the Kingdom

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia determines the beginning of the Islamic months based on the sighting of the new moon, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Historically, the Kingdom has established official moon-sighting committees located in strategic areas characterized by clear skies and high altitude, such as the observatories of Hawtat Sudair and Tamir. These committees work alongside volunteer citizens and Sharia courts to ensure the accuracy of the sighting and its documentation according to precise Sharia and scientific standards, reflecting the leadership's commitment to accuracy in religious observances.

The great importance and expected impact of announcing the sighting of the crescent moon

The announcement of the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah carries exceptional importance that transcends local boundaries to include regional and international scopes:

• On the local level: This announcement represents the actual starting signal for governmental and private entities in the Kingdom to implement their final operational plans for the Hajj season, and to receive the guests of God in Makkah and the holy sites.
• Regionally and internationally, the entire Muslim world across all continents eagerly awaits the statement from the Saudi Supreme Court, given its direct connection to determining the fifth pillar of Islam. Based on this announcement, the Day of Arafah (the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah), considered the most important day of Hajj, will be determined, followed by the first day of Eid al-Adha. Consequently, millions of Muslim families and Islamic centers worldwide rely on this announcement to organize their religious observances, including fasting on the Day of Arafah and preparing for the sacrifice of animals.