The Month of Dhul Hijjah: When the Pilgrimage Season Begins
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has announced the date for moon sighting for the month of Dhul Hijjah — a key period for Muslims that determines the dates for Hajj and the Eid al-Adha festival across the Islamic world.
Official Announcement of Moon Sighting
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the moon at the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah on May 17, 2026. This official notification is an important event for the entire Islamic community as it determines the exact dates of one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar. Anyone who can see the new moon with the naked eye or through binoculars should register their testimony at the nearest court or contact a help center. This is a traditional practice that ensures the accuracy of determining the start of the sacred month.
The Significance of Dhul Hijjah for Muslims
The month of Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months. Its beginning determines the official dates for Hajj — the great pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Additionally, the Eid al-Adha festival is celebrated in this month by Muslims around the world. Accurately determining the start of the month is critically important for coordinating religious rituals and allows millions of believers to synchronize their spiritual practices. Pilgrims from different countries rely on official announcements to plan their journeys.
The Moon Sighting Process in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, there is an established system for confirming the beginning of Islamic months through moon sighting. The Supreme Court actively encourages citizens with good eyesight to participate in regional moon sighting committees. This system combines traditional methods with modern technologies to ensure maximum accuracy. Testimonies are collected officially, and only after a sufficient number of confirmations does the court make a final announcement. This approach guarantees that the beginning of the month is recognized by the entire Islamic world and complies with religious prescriptions.
Preparing for the Hajj Season
With the official announcement of the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, intensive preparations for the Hajj season begin. Pilgrims from over 180 countries start organizing their trips, booking accommodations, and planning itineraries to visit sacred sites. Saudi Arabia prepares its infrastructure, including transportation, medical services, and security systems. For many believers, this is a long-awaited event that they have been preparing for years. Knowing the exact dates allows pilgrims to properly plan their vacations, obtain visas, and prepare physically and spiritually for this sacred journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is moon sighting still used in the modern world?
Moon sighting is an ancient Islamic tradition based on the Quran and Sunnah. Although modern calculations can predict the moon's position with high accuracy, Islamic law requires visual confirmation for the official announcement of the month's beginning, ensuring the unity of the Muslim community.
How do pilgrims know the exact dates of Hajj?
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia officially announces the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah after confirming the moon sighting. This information is disseminated through government media, religious institutions, and travel platforms, allowing pilgrims to plan their trips.
Can bad weather affect moon sighting?
Yes, cloud cover can make sighting difficult. In this case, the month is considered complete after 30 days of the previous month. Saudi Arabia has several observation centers in different regions to increase the likelihood of successful moon confirmation.
