The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has declared that Thursday, June 7, will be the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah, following the sighting of the crescent moon. This announcement sets important dates for the Islamic calendar.
Arafat Day, an important day of the Hajj pilgrimage, is scheduled for Saturday, June 15. The following day, Sunday, June 16, will be Eid Al Adha, a major Islamic holiday. This period marks the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage season, a significant event for Muslims worldwide.
In contrast, Oman did not see the crescent moon on the same day. As a result, they have set the start of Dhu Al Hijjah for Friday, June 8. Consequently, Eid Al Adha in Oman will be celebrated on Monday, June 17.
The sighting of the crescent moon signals the start of the Hajj pilgrimage season, one of the five pillars of Islam. This season concludes with Eid Al Adha, a festival that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The pilgrimage season is a time of great spiritual significance, bringing together millions of Muslims from around the world to perform religious rites in Mecca.
This year’s differing moon sighting results between Saudi Arabia and Oman highlight the variations in lunar-based Islamic calendar observances, yet they both lead to the cherished events of Hajj and Eid Al Adha.
