Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, marking the beginning of the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. This announcement, made on Thursday, signifies the start of the holy month and sets the dates for significant religious observances.
As a result, the Dhul Hijjah month will commence tomorrow. The Hajj pilgrimage for 1445 AH (2024) will begin on Friday, June 14, with the Day of Arafah falling on Saturday, June 15. Consequently, Eid Al-Adha, the largest Muslim festival, will be celebrated on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia had called on all Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah, which helps determine the commencement of the new month and the precise day of Eid Al-Adha. The crescent sighting on Thursday confirmed the dates for the religious events.
Eid Al-Adha, the most significant Islamic festival, falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It is celebrated by Muslims worldwide and is the second major Islamic festival after Eid-ul-Fitr. The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, and it is marked by the ritual sacrifice of animals, communal prayers, and charitable activities.
This year’s Eid Al-Adha promises to be a momentous occasion, with millions of Muslims participating in the Hajj pilgrimage and observing the festival’s traditional practices.
