Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia and Oman have confirmed the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent [1].
The confirmation establishes the start of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, which is essential for determining the official date of Eid al-Adha 2026. This holiday is one of the most significant observances in the Islamic calendar, marking the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Officials in Saudi Arabia said the sighting synchronizes the religious calendar for millions of Muslims globally [1]. Oman said the sighting aligns its calendar with the regional observation [1]. The timing of the crescent moon determines the transition between lunar months, a process that relies on both astronomical calculations and physical sightings.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the dates of religious festivals shift each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. The sighting of the crescent moon is the traditional and legal mechanism used to trigger the start of the month [1].
This announcement allows governments, businesses, and families to finalize travel plans and public holiday schedules. In Saudi Arabia, the sighting is particularly critical for the organization of the Hajj pilgrimage, as the city of Makkah prepares for an influx of pilgrims from across the world [1].
Authorities said the sighting was verified according to established religious protocols [1]. The coordination between Saudi Arabia and Oman ensures a degree of regional consistency in the celebration of the upcoming holiday [1].
“Saudi Arabia and Oman have confirmed the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent.”
The confirmation of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent by Saudi Arabia and Oman provides the necessary religious and legal basis for scheduling Eid al-Adha. This synchronization is vital for the logistics of the Hajj pilgrimage and ensures that the global Muslim community can coordinate the start of the holiday based on verified lunar sightings.
