Saudi Arabia has officially declared Monday, May 18, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH following the sighting of the crescent moon.
The Saudi Supreme Court announced that the Day of Arafat, which marks the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, will be observed on Tuesday, May 26, while Eid Al Adha celebrations will hold on Wednesday, May 27.
In a statement, the court said the decision was reached after the Crescent Sighting Department reviewed and confirmed testimonies from witnesses who sighted the Dhul Hijjah moon.
The court also offered prayers for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued services to pilgrims visiting the holy sites.
It further prayed for Allah to grant pilgrims ease in the performance of Hajj rites and to preserve the security, stability, and prosperity of Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also declared Monday, May 18, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto.
The announcement signals the commencement of one of the holiest periods in the Islamic calendar, during which millions of Muslims worldwide undertake the annual Hajj pilgrimage and prepare for Eid Al Adha festivities.
The Sultanate Council urged Muslims in Nigeria and across the world to use the sacred month to pray for peace, unity, and national progress.
