The Supreme Court calls for the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH
Supreme Court announcement regarding the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah
In a move eagerly awaited by the entire Muslim world, 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, corresponding to the 29th of Dhu al-Qa'dah 1447 AH (according to the Supreme Court's decision), which corresponds to the 30th of Dhu al-Qa'dah according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, and to the 17th of May 2026 CE.
Details of the Supreme Court summons and reporting procedures
The Supreme Court, in its statement, clarified the details of its previous decision No. (206/H), which stipulated that Saturday, April 18, 2026, would be the 30th and final day of Shawwal, and that Sunday, April 19, 2026, would be the first day of Dhu al-Qi'dah. Accordingly, the Court called upon anyone who sights the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah, whether with the naked eye or using binoculars and advanced astronomical equipment, to promptly report their sighting to the nearest court and register their testimony. The Court also provided the option to contact the nearest government center to assist the sighter in reaching the competent court and legally documenting their sighting.
The Supreme Court urged people who have the ability to see and experience in sighting the crescent moon to pay attention to this important religious matter and to join the official committees formed in various regions of the Kingdom for this purpose, seeking reward and recompense from God Almighty, because this is cooperation in righteousness and piety and a great benefit to all Muslims in the east and west of the earth.
The historical and legal context of sighting the crescent moon
The sighting of the new moon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based on firmly established legal principles derived from the Holy Quran and the purified Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Islamic Hijri calendar is entirely based on the lunar cycle, with the new month beginning with the appearance of the new moon after sunset on the 29th day. Historically, the Kingdom has given great importance to the observation of the new moon, developing mechanisms from traditional naked-eye observation to the establishment of advanced astronomical observatories in various regions. These observatories employ a select group of experts and astronomers who work alongside religious committees to ensure the accuracy of the announcement.
The great importance and local and international impact of the event
has an impact not the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah only within Saudi Arabia but also across the entire Muslim world. Locally, this announcement determines the start of the official Eid al-Adha holidays and the scheduling of work for government and private entities involved in organizing and securing the Hajj season.
Regionally and internationally, more than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide eagerly await the announcement from the Saudi Supreme Court, as the Hajj pilgrimage is intrinsically linked to Mecca and the holy sites. Based on the confirmed sighting of the new moon, the Day of Arafah (the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah), considered the most important pillar of Hajj, is determined, followed by the Day of Sacrifice and the first day of Eid al-Adha (the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah). Therefore, the Kingdom bears a significant religious and historical responsibility to ensure meticulous accuracy, which explains the keen interest and close monitoring by the wise leadership and the relevant judicial and astronomical authorities.
