In a significant announcement, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon that heralds the start of the Islamic month Dhul Hijjah. This sighting took place on Sunday night, paving the way for the commencement of the final month in the Islamic Hijri calendar on Monday, June 19.
Of great importance in the Islamic faith, the day of Arafah, considered the holiest in Islam, will fall on Tuesday, June 27, followed by the first day of Eid Al Adha 2023 on Wednesday, June 28. Eid Al Adha is a significant Islamic festival that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as commanded by Allah.
Amidst worldwide celebrations, millions of Muslims will gather in the holy city of Makkah to partake in the Haj pilgrimage. This pilgrimage holds immense spiritual significance, as pilgrims unite at Mount Arafat on the day of Arafah to offer prayers at the very location where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon over 14 centuries ago. Muslims worldwide observe a day of fasting during this momentous occasion.
Notably, this year’s Haj pilgrimage holds particular significance, as it is the first to be conducted without any Covid-19 restrictions. Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Sudais, the general president of the affairs of the Grand Holy Mosque and Prophet’s Holy Mosque, highlighted the historical nature of the operational plan for this year’s Haj season, following the conclusion of the pandemic and the return of millions of Haj pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to make an announcement regarding the sighting of the crescent moon today. Traditionally, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and several other Gulf countries mark both Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha on the same days, further fostering a sense of unity and harmony among Muslims in the region.