Officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have announced the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, signaling the beginning of the 12th Islamic month. The announcement was made on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Consequently, Friday, June 7, will mark the beginning of the holy month. The Hajj pilgrimage for 1445 will commence on Friday, June 14, with the day of Arafah falling on Saturday, June 15.
With this development, the largest Muslim festival, Eid Al-Adha, will be observed on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Arafat day, which precedes the festival, will fall on June 15.
Saudi Arabia’s supreme court had called on all Muslims across the kingdom to participate in the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al Hijjah. This action helps determine the commencement of the new and last month of the Hijri calendar and the day the festival falls on.
Eid al-Adha, the biggest Islamic festival, is celebrated on the 10th of Dhu al Hijjah. It is the second major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide after Eid-Ul-Fitr.
