Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah on the evening of Sunday, May 17, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the court urged anyone who sights the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony. People may also contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the court.
The announcement follows Supreme Court ruling No. 206/H dated 29/10/1447H, which declared Saturday, April 18, 2026, as the completion of Shawwal and Sunday, April 19, 2026, as the first day of Dhul Qadah.
According to the court, Sunday, May 17, corresponding to the 29th of Dhul Qadah based on the court’s calendar determination and the 30th according to Umm Al-Qura calendar calculations, will be the official date for sighting the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon.
The Supreme Court also encouraged people who are capable of moon sighting to join regional moon-sighting committees.
The beginning of Dhul Hijjah determines the dates of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al-Adha celebrations across the Islamic world.