SAUDI Arabia on Sunday officially announced the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon, confirming that Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday, May 27.
With the moon sighting confirmed, Monday, May 18, will mark the first day of Dhul-Hijjah, the Islamic month associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The Day of Arafah, regarded as the most significant rite of Hajj, will be observed on Tuesday, May 26. On that day, millions of Muslim pilgrims from across the world are expected to gather on the plains of Arafat to perform the central ritual of the pilgrimage.
Saudi authorities also confirmed that Eid al-Adha, one of the most important festivals in Islam, will be celebrated throughout the kingdom on Wednesday, May 27.
The announcement holds global significance for Muslims worldwide, as many countries rely on Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting decisions to determine Islamic religious dates, including Hajj rites and Eid celebrations.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Muslims are still awaiting the official moon sighting announcement from the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and leader of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar.
