Dhu al-Hijjah 2024: Hajj and Eid al-Adha Schedule
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has announced the official dates of the sacred month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Hajj begins on May 18, the Day of Arafah is on May 26, and Eid al-Adha is on May 27. The complete schedule of key pilgrimage dates.
Official Announcement of the Start of Dhu al-Hijjah
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has confirmed that the month of Dhu al-Hijjah begins on Monday, May 18, 2024. This official statement is the result of moon sighting conducted at the end of the month of Dhu al-Qi'dah. It is important to remember that in the Islamic calendar, a new day begins after sunset (after the Maghrib prayer), not at midnight according to the Gregorian calendar. Thus, the month of Dhu al-Hijjah actually begins on the evening of May 17 after the evening prayer.
Key Dates of Hajj and the Holiday
The month of Dhu al-Hijjah contains several critically important dates for Muslims around the world:
- May 18 — the beginning of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the official opening of the Hajj season
- May 26 — the Day of Arafah (Yaum al-Arafah), the culmination of the pilgrimage
- May 27 — Eid al-Adha (Id al-Adha), the main Muslim holiday
- May 28, 29, 30 — the days of Tashriq, festive days after Eid al-Adha
What is the Day of Arafah and Its Significance
The Day of Arafah (May 26) is the central day of Hajj, when pilgrims are on the Mount of Arafat in the Arafat Valley, located 20 km east of Mecca. On this day, believers spend time in prayer, reflection, and repentance from dawn until sunset. According to Islamic tradition, this is the day of the highest closeness to the Almighty. After sunset, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah for the night prayer and to collect pebbles for the stoning ritual.
Eid al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha (Id al-Adha) is celebrated on May 27 and is one of the two main Islamic holidays. It symbolizes the readiness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son at the command of the Almighty. The holiday is accompanied by the sacrifice of animals, the distribution of meat to the needy and family, festive prayers, and mutual congratulations. The days of Tashriq (May 28-30) extend the festive atmosphere and include rituals related to the completion of Hajj.
Planning the Pilgrimage: What You Need to Know
For those planning to perform Hajj this year, the official announcement of the dates is a signal for active actions. It is necessary to prepare documents, book accommodation in Mecca and Medina, purchase tickets, and arrange for leave. Many pilgrims arrive a few days before the start of Hajj to perform Umrah (minor pilgrimage) and acclimatize to the climate and schedule. Saudi Arabia usually publishes quotas and conditions for foreign pilgrims, so keep an eye on the official announcements from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
FAQ
When exactly does the month of Dhu al-Hijjah begin in 2024?
The month of Dhu al-Hijjah officially begins on the evening of May 17 after the Maghrib prayer (sunset). During the day, it falls on May 18 according to the Gregorian calendar. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia confirmed this date after moon sighting.
What is the difference between the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha?
The Day of Arafah (May 26) is the day of Hajj when pilgrims pray on the Mount of Arafat. Eid al-Adha (May 27) begins after sunset on the Day of Arafah and is the festival of sacrifice celebrated by all Muslims regardless of Hajj.
How does the Islamic calendar determine the beginning of a new month?
A new month in the Islamic calendar begins after sunset (after the Maghrib prayer) when the new moon appears in the sky. This does not occur at midnight according to the Gregorian calendar, but in the evening of the previous day according to Western calculations.
