RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah on the evening of Sunday, May 17, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the court urged anyone who sights the crescent with the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the court.
The announcement follows Supreme Court ruling No. 206/H dated 29/10/1447H, which declared Saturday, April 18, 2026, as the completion of the month of Shawwal and Sunday, April 19, 2026, as the first day of Dhul Qadah.
Based on that ruling, the court said Sunday, May 17, corresponding to the 29th of Dhul Qadah according to the court’s calendar determination and the 30th according to Umm Al-Qura calendar calculations, will be the official date for sighting the Dhul Hijjah crescent.
The Supreme Court also encouraged individuals capable of moon sighting to participate in regional moon-sighting committees, stressing the importance of contributing to an act that benefits the wider Muslim community.
The beginning of Dhul Hijjah determines the dates for the annual Hajj pilgrimage as well as Eid Al-Adha celebrations across the Islamic world.
Source: Saudi Gazette