Saudi Arabia's official moon-sighting committee reported the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent to confirm the start of Eid al-Adha 2026 [1].

The confirmation is essential for millions of Muslims worldwide who rely on the lunar calendar to determine the timing of the Hajj pilgrimage and the subsequent holiday. Because the Islamic calendar is based on moon sightings, the official announcement from Saudi Arabia typically serves as the primary benchmark for global observers.

According to reports, the sighting occurred in Saudi Arabia and was mirrored by a parallel sighting reported in Oman [1]. This observation allows religious authorities to establish the beginning of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The process follows traditional requirements for moon sighting to ensure the accurate dating of religious obligations.

There have been varying reports regarding the exact timing of the observation. Some sources said that the crescent was observed in early June 2026 [1]. Other reports said the crescent moon was expected to be observed on May 17, 2026 [1], to mark the start of the month.

This sighting follows previous lunar milestones for the year. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia was expected to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on March 20, 2026 [2]. The transition from the sighting of the moon to the official declaration of the holiday involves a coordinated effort between government committees and religious scholars to verify the visibility of the crescent across different geographic regions.

The confirmation of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent triggers the final preparations for the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. This event is one of the five pillars of Islam and requires precise timing to coordinate the movement of millions of people into the holy city.

“Saudi Arabia's official moon-sighting committee reported the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent”

The sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent is the critical trigger for the Hajj pilgrimage, the largest annual gathering of people in the world. Because the dates of Eid al-Adha shift every year relative to the Gregorian calendar, the official confirmation from Saudi Arabia provides the necessary synchronization for international travel, government holidays in Muslim-majority nations, and the logistical management of the pilgrimage sites in Mecca and Medina.