Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims to sight the crescent moon of the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH-2026 on Dhul Qa’dah 29, corresponding to Sunday evening, May 17.
In an announcement Friday, May 15, the court called on Muslims who sight the moon by the naked eye, or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimonies, or report to the nearest centre that can contact a court.
The Supreme Court also encouraged those with the capability to join official moon-sighting committees across the regions of the Kingdom. It emphasised the importance of the sighting in accordance with Islamic tradition.
If May 17 is the last day of Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah will fall on Monday, May 18, and Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, May 27.
Islamic month lasts for 29 or 30 days according to the lunar calendar, depending on the moon sighting. But, if it completes 30 days, Dhul-Hijjah will fall on Tuesday, May 19.
The sighting of the moon marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah in which the Haj is performed, followed by Eid Al Adha.
This year, Haj is expected to start on Monday, May 25.
Haj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and is considered a religious duty that must be completed during the life of every healthy and economically capable Muslim.
