Muslim worshippers gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Mecca. AFP
The kingdom’s Supreme Court said the Dhu Al-Hijjah crescent had been sighted after sunset on Sunday, following observations by religious and scientific committees across Saudi Arabia.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the court confirmed that Monday would be the first day of the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar, during which the annual Hajj pilgrimage takes place.
Accordingly, pilgrims will gather at Mount Arafat on Tuesday, 26 May, marking the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, while Eid Al-Adha celebrations will begin the following day across Saudi Arabia and several Muslim-majority countries that follow the kingdom’s moon-sighting announcement.
Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Saudi authorities are preparing to receive hundreds of thousands of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season amid extensive security, health, and logistical arrangements.
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