- The announcement followed the official sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, with Monday, May 18
- It further prayed for a successful Hajj season, asking for ease and safety for pilgrims
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has announced that the Day of Arafat, the most significant stage of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, will be observed on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the court also confirmed that Eid-al-Adha celebrations will take place the following day, Wednesday, May 27.
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The announcement followed the official sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, with Monday, May 18, declared as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH in the kingdom.
In a statement, the Supreme Court said the decision was reached after its Crescent Sighting Department reviewed testimonies submitted by observers regarding the appearance of the new moon.
The court also offered prayers for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in recognition of their efforts toward serving pilgrims visiting the holy sites.
It further prayed for a successful Hajj season, asking for ease and safety for pilgrims and continued peace and stability in Saudi Arabia.
Haramain Info, the official account of the Two Holy Mosques, also confirmed the moon sighting on X, stating that Dhul Hijjah had officially commenced and Eid-al-Adha would be celebrated on May 27.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, similarly announced Monday, May 18, as the beginning of Dhul Hijjah.
The development signals the start of one of the holiest periods in Islam, during which millions of Muslims worldwide undertake the Hajj pilgrimage and prepare for Eid-al-Adha.
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar and includes major religious events such as the Day of Arafat and the Eid-al-Adha festival.
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