Rabat – Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on its religious committees to sight the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah on Sunday evening.
The court requested that committees observe the moon, either with the naked eye or using binoculars, and report their findings to the nearest court to register their testimony.
The sighting will determine the official start date of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.
Dhul Hijjah is the month during which Muslims perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This season’s rites are expected to begin on May 25 and will continue until May 30. The most important day of Hajj is the Day of Arafah, which is expected to fall on May 26.
It also marks Eid Al Adha, one of the most significant religious holidays. Eid falls on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah.
The occasion commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
Astronomers believe that Saudi Arabia and many other Arab countries will likely celebrate Eid Al Adha on May 27.
Several countries, including the UAE, have already announced public sector holidays for Eid.
The UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said the holiday will begin on May 25 and continue until May 29. It will coincide with the weekend, giving employees a nine-day break. Work is expected to resume on June 1.
