Breaking News About Moon Sighting Today <a href="https://islamicinfocenter.com/saudi-arabia/">Saudi Arabia</a>: Official Dhul Hijjah 1447 Confirmed for <a href="https://islamicinfocenter.com/what-is-hajj/">Hajj</a> & <a href="https://islamicinfocenter.com/eid-al-adha-2025/">Eid al-Adha</a> 2026

OFFICIAL SAUDI DECREE: The Dhul Hijjah crescent moon HAS BEEN SIGHTED in Saudi Arabia. • 1st DHUL HIJJAH 1447: Officially starts tomorrow, Monday, May 18, 2026. • EID AL-ADHA DATE: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 confirmed. • DAY OF ARAFAH: Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT • SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026

Moon Sighting Confirmed in Saudi Arabia: Dhul Hijjah 1447 Commences

The Saudi Supreme Court officially declares successful crescent sightings tonight. Hajj and Eid al-Adha 2026 timelines are now finalized.

1st of Dhul Hijjah

Monday, May 18, 2026

Officially Confirmed

Day of Arafah (Hajj Peak)

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

9th Dhul Hijjah 1447

Eid al-Adha Celebration

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

10th Dhul Hijjah 1447

Supreme Court Officially Declares Crescent Sighted

Following verified testimonies from major observatory stations including Tumair and Sudair, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has formally established the start of the sacred month.

The crescent moon was successfully spotted on Sunday evening, May 17, 2026 (marking the end of Dhul Qa'dah). Official astronomy reports confirm that optimal atmospheric clarity enabled regional moon-sighting committees to successfully document the crescent. Global communities across Indonesia, Malaysia, and the wider Middle East have similarly aligned and confirmed the same official timeline.

Verified Hajj 2026 Milestones

With the official confirmation of the lunar calendar, the timeline for millions of pilgrims traveling to Makkah is permanently locked into place:

May 18 (1 Dhul Hijjah): Official start of the holy month. Last-minute regional airlifts converge into KSA.
May 25 (8 Dhul Hijjah): The official Hajj rituals begin as pilgrims transition into the Mina tent city (Yawm at-Tarwiyah).
May 26 (9 Dhul Hijjah): Day of Arafah. Pilgrims stand on the plains of Mount Arafat for peak prayers and supplications.
May 27 (10 Dhul Hijjah): Eid al-Adha globally begins along with the sacrificial animal rituals (Qurbani).

Final Moon Sighting Verdict

Observation Date Sunday, May 17, 2026

Crescent Sky Status SEEN / VERIFIED

Dhul Qa'dah Length Ended at 29 Days

Conclusion: The Saudi Royal Court has approved the tracking logs. There are no changes or shifts expected in the official public sector holiday schedules already distributed across the GCC states.

Official Locked Hajj & Eid Timeline 2026

MAY 18

Dhul Hijjah 1

Month Begins

MAY 25

Hajj Starts

Mina Movement

MAY 26

Arafah Day

Peak of Hajj

MAY 27

Eid al-Adha

Qurbani Begins

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final decision regarding the moon sighting timeline?

The Saudi Supreme Court finalized the declaration on the evening of May 17, confirming successful sighting results. Therefore, Dhul Hijjah did not require completing a 30-day cycle for the previous month.

Will South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) have different dates?

Because the 29th of Dhul Qa'dah uniquely aligned on Sunday, May 17 across both the Middle East and South Asia due to global lunar positioning, many regional committees are matching the Saudi dates this year, subject to their immediate local sunset confirmations.

Are the Hajj 2026 security protocols affected by these dates?

No. The timeline perfectly aligns with Ministry of Hajj plans. Strict checkpoints enforce that all active pilgrims must carry their physical or digital Nusuk card starting immediately upon the first day of the new month.

Authored by the Islamic Info Center Editorial Team

Real-time data sourced from SPA (Saudi Press Agency) & KSA Supreme Court Announcements.

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