The authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have announced sightings of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, marking the start of the 12th month in the Islamic calendar.
A message shared on Tuesday by Haramain, a Saudi-based online news platform, via X stated that Wednesday would be the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
Muslims from across the world travel to Makkah for hajj during Dhul Hijjah.
According to the Haramain’s message, June 5 would be the day of Arafat, while June 6 would be the day of Eid-el-Adha, the Muslims’ biggest festival
Dhul Hijjah is considered a sacred month and a time of heightened devotion, reflection, and acts of worship.
“The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia — Dhul Hijjah 1446 begins tonight,” the post reads.
“Day of ‘Arafah: 5 June 2025; Eid Al-Adha: 6 June 2025.
“May Allāh accept the Hajj of the Hujjaj and our worship and allow us to make the most of these blessed days. Aameen.”
On Monday, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and president general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), asked Muslims in the country to look for the new moon of Dhul Hijja, 1445 AH.
In a statement signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, chairman of the advisory committee on religious affairs of the Sultanate council, the monarch asked Muslims to report its sighting to the nearest district heads for onwards communication to the Sultan.
“This is to inform the Muslim ummah that Tuesday, 27 May, 2027, which is equivalent to the 29th of Zulqa’ida 1446 AH, shall be the day to look for the moon of Zulhijjah 1446 AH,” the statement reads.
“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Zulhijjah on Tuesday and report its sighting to the nearest district heads for onwards communications to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammad Sa’d Abubakar III CFR mni.”
Dhul Hijjah is considered a sacred month and a time of heightened devotion, reflection, and acts of worship.
