Zil Hajj Moon Sighting 2026: Official Dates & Hajj Guidelines

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially announced that the new crescent moon has been sighted on the evening of Sunday, May 17, 2026. This marks the official commencement of the blessed month of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH. This manual provides the verified government timelines, unified global updates, and critical health and travel guidelines so you can be fully prepared for the holy season.

The official declaration of the crescent moon marks the start of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH

What is Zil Hajj (Dhul-Hijjah) and Why Moon Sighting Matters in 2026

Zil Hajj, or Dhul-Hijjah, is the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the month of Hajj — the fifth pillar of Islam. The first ten days are the most virtuous in the year. Accurate moon sighting (Ru’yat al-Hilal) follows the Sunnah and unites the Ummah.

Following the visual confirmation on May 17, the official calendar has been unified for millions performing Hajj and celebrating Eid ul Adha worldwide.

Religious Significance of the First Ten Days

The Prophet ﷺ said the best days are the ten of Dhul-Hijjah. Fasting, dhikr, charity, and Hajj bring immense reward.

Official Zil Hajj Moon Sighting 2026 Results

Following astronomical alignments where the moon conjunction occurred on Saturday, May 16, 2026, official observatories and local committees gathered on Sunday evening to scan the horizon.

• May 17 Sighting Status: Successfully sighted and officially verified across multiple locations in Saudi Arabia.
• Official Declaration: 1st Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH is confirmed to begin on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The announcement from the Saudi Supreme Court dictates the definitive timeline for the rites of the annual pilgrimage in the holy sites.

Astronomical tracking verified by official physical sightings on May 17, 2026

Confirmed Key Dates for Hajj 2026 & Eid ul Adha

Following the official moon sighting, the Islamic dates match the following Gregorian timeline for 2026:

Note: These dates are locked into the official Saudi calendar. You can download the official 2026 Hajj calendar PDF here.

Comprehensive Hajj Guidelines 2026 for Pilgrims

These Hajj guidelines are drawn from the Sunnah, Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah, and expert scholars. They ensure a safe, valid, and spiritually rewarding journey.

1. Pre-Hajj Preparation (Essential Steps)

• Verify your permits and packages directly on the official Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa).
• Ensure all mandatory medical clearances and vaccinations (meningitis, updated health permits) are linked to your digital profile.
• Study rites thoroughly — our free Hajj step-by-step guide is highly recommended.
• Make tawbah, increase salah and dhikr, and settle all financial responsibilities.
• Pack minimally; abide by the strict baggage allowances enforced at airports and tents.

2. Entering Ihram – Rules and Etiquette

Enter Ihram at the designated Miqat boundary. Men wear two white unsewn cloths; women wear modest loose clothing. Prohibitions include:

• No perfume, no cutting nails/hair, no hunting, no intimacy.
• Recite Talbiyah loudly: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”

3. Step-by-Step Rites of Hajj (2026 Edition)

1. Tawaf al-Qudum – 7 circles around the Kaaba upon arrival.
2. Sa’i between Safa and Marwah – 7 rounds.
3. Wuquf at Arafah – Standing from noon to sunset on May 26 (the core of Hajj).
4. Overnight in Muzdalifah – Collect pebbles on the night of May 26.
5. Rami al-Jamarat – Stoning the pillars in Mina starting the morning of Eid (May 27).
6. Qurbani (Sacrifice) – Performed on Eid day.
7. Halq/Taqsir – Shaving or trimming hair.
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah – Farewell Tawaf before departure.

Full details and real-time crowd dynamics are available on our Hajj Guidelines 2026 page.

Strict adherence to designated timetables keeps millions safe across Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah

4. Health, Safety & Enforced 2026 Guidelines

• Hydration is critical — Makkah temperatures are projected to exceed 40°C. Drink water continuously.
• Keep the Nusuk app updated on your mobile device for real-time crowd-flow updates and tracking permissions.
• Utilize localized e-scooter and dedicated wheelchair lanes for elderly or physically limited family members.
• Follow safety marshals and police corridors explicitly to handle massive pedestrian flows.

How Local Moon Sighting Was Performed in 2026

For those observing the month locally outside Saudi Arabia:

• Sighting was conducted looking west immediately following sunset on May 17.
• Traditional methods prioritize the naked eye, relying on telescopic verification only for confirmations where sky clarity requires it.
• Local authorities use these metrics to determine regional Eid timelines.

Read our foundational guide: Moon Sighting Rules from Quran and Sunnah.

Global Moon Sighting Practices in 2026

While the global majority and Hajj pilgrims strictly track the Saudi Supreme Court announcement, regions tracking local horizons (such as parts of South Asia) will issue independent updates based on their respective twilight timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sources: Saudi Supreme Court Confirmation, Moonsighting.com tracking data, Ministry of Hajj & Umrah. Last updated: May 17, 2026. Written by the editorial team at Islamic Info Center.