By Zainab Bakare
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has announce the Standing at Mount Arafat, the pinnacle of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The Court also confirmed that Eid al-Adha celebrations will be observed the following day, Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
This follows the official declaration that Monday, May 18, marks the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, after the sighting of the crescent moon.
In a statement, the Supreme Court’s Crescent Sighting Department says the decision is reached after reviewing testimonies from witnesses confirming the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent.
The Court also offered prayers for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, commending their continued efforts in serving pilgrims and managing the holy sites.
It further prayed for Allah to grant pilgrims ease, comfort, and safety in the performance of Hajj rites, while asking for the continued security, stability, and prosperity of the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Haramain Info, the official social media account of the Two Holy Mosques, confirmed on X that the crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah 1447 had been sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of the sacred month and setting Eid al-Adha for May 27, 2026, God willing.
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also declared Monday, May 18, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar and one of the most significant periods in Islam. It is associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Day of Arafah, and Eid al-Adha celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.
