Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, signaling the beginning of the 12th Islamic month. This sighting occurred on Thursday, June 6, 2024, and marks the start of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah 1445 AH.
The declaration signifies the commencement of the Hajj pilgrimage for 1445 AH-2024, which will begin on Friday, June 14, with the day of Arafah falling on Saturday, June 15. The Arafat Day, which precedes the Eid Al-Adha festival, will fall on June 15.
Consequently, Eid Al-Adha, the biggest Islamic festival, will be observed on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Eid Al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims around the world on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar) and is the second major Islamic festival celebrated after Eid-ul-Fitr.
The sighting of the crescent moon was made possible through a collective effort by all Muslims across the Kingdom, as called upon by the Saudi Supreme Court on Wednesday. This action helps determine both the start of the new month and the day of the festival according to the Islamic calendar