Saudi Arabia has officially declared Tuesday, May 26, 2026, as the Day of Arafat and Wednesday, May 27, as Eid-al-Adha, following the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon.
The announcement was made by the Saudi Supreme Court on Sunday after testimonies from witnesses who sighted the moon were reviewed and confirmed.
Key Highlights:
According to the court, Monday, May 18, marks the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, the final and one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar.
“The Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court reached the decision after reviewing testimonies submitted by witnesses regarding the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent,” the statement said.
Read Also:
- Ogun pilgrims arrive Saudi Arabia as Gateway Airport launches first international flight
- Saudi Arabia restricts Hajj to permit holders, bans visit visa pilgrims worldwide
- Saudi Arabia calls emergency summit as Iran conflict escalates across Middle East
The Day of Arafat, observed on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, represents the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for prayers and supplications.
Eid-al-Adha celebrations will follow the next day on May 27.
The Saudi court also offered prayers for King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over what it described as their continued service to pilgrims visiting the holy sites.
It further prayed for “Allah to grant pilgrims ease and comfort in the performance of Hajj rites, and to preserve the security, stability, and prosperity of Saudi Arabia.”
Haramain Info, an official account associated with the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia, also confirmed the development on X.
“The crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah 1447 has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah will commence tonight, and Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday 27th May 2026, in shā Allāh,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also declared Monday, May 18, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
The declaration signals the beginning of preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid-el-Kabir celebrations among Muslims across the world.
Dhul Hijjah is regarded as one of the most spiritually significant periods in Islam, featuring major religious rites including Hajj, the Day of Arafat, and the Eid-al-Adha festival.
