Saudi Arabian authorities and the Supreme Court have begun the official moon-sighting process for Dhul Hijjah [1].
This process is critical because the sighting of the crescent moon determines the exact start of the sacred month, which in turn sets the dates for the annual Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The observations are taking place in Saudi Arabia to establish the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar year 1447 [2]. These sightings serve as the primary signal for millions of pilgrims to begin their final preparations for the journey to Mecca.
Official sighting activities are coordinated by the Supreme Court to ensure accuracy across the kingdom [1]. The determination of the lunar month is a foundational requirement for the timing of the Hajj rituals, which are among the most significant events in the Islamic faith.
These preparations affect a global community, as the world Muslim population is approximately two billion [3]. The timing of the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia often influences the scheduling of religious observances in other countries, including the UAE and India [1].
Coordination between government agencies ensures that logistics for the pilgrimage are aligned with the lunar calendar [1]. Once the moon is sighted, the authorities will officially announce the start of the month, triggering the commencement of the Hajj 2026 period [1].
“Saudi Arabian authorities and the Supreme Court have begun the official moon-sighting process for Dhul Hijjah.”
The official moon-sighting process is the definitive mechanism for transitioning from the lunar calendar to the physical execution of Hajj. Because the Islamic calendar relies on astronomical observation rather than a fixed solar date, the Supreme Court's verification is the only way to synchronize the movements of millions of pilgrims and the operational readiness of Saudi infrastructure.
