Saudi Arabia has confirmed the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, marking the start of the 12th Islamic month.
This announcement was made on Thursday.
As a result, Saturday will officially commence the holy month. The Hajj pilgrimage for the year 1445 AH (2024) is set to begin on Friday, June 14, with the Day of Arafah observed on Saturday, June 15.
Following this development, the major Islamic festival, Eid Al-Adha, will be celebrated on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Arafat Day, preceding the festival, will occur on June 15.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court had earlier called on Muslims across the Kingdom to participate in the crescent moon sighting for the Arabic month of Dhu Al-Hijjah, an effort aimed at confirming the start of the new month and pinpointing the festival date on the Islamic calendar.
Eid Al-Adha, the largest Islamic festival, falls on the 10th of Dhu Al-Hijjah. Celebrated by Muslims worldwide, it is the second major Islamic festival following Eid-ul-Fitr.
