- Saudi Arabia confirmed 26 May 2026 as the Day of Arafah and 27 May as Eid-al-Adha
- The announcement followed the official sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon
- Nigeria’s Sultan of Sokoto also declared 18 May 2026 as the first day of Dhul Hijjah
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially announced that the Day of Arafah, regarded as the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, will be observed on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, while Eid-al-Adha celebrations will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
The announcement followed the official sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, leading the Kingdom to declare Monday, 18 May 2026, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH.
In a statement released by the Supreme Court, the Crescent Sighting Department confirmed that the decision was reached after reviewing testimonies submitted by witnesses who observed the new moon marking the beginning of the sacred Islamic month.
According to the statement, the court also offered prayers for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, in recognition of their continued efforts and services towards pilgrims visiting the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
The court further prayed for the safety and wellbeing of pilgrims expected to participate in the 2026 Hajj exercise, asking Allah to grant them ease and comfort while performing the sacred rites.
“It also prayed for Allah to preserve the security, stability and prosperity of Saudi Arabia,” the statement added.
The confirmation was also shared by Haramain Info, the official account associated with the affairs of the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia, through a post on X.
“The crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah 1447 has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah will commence tonight, and Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday 27th May 2026, in shā Allāh. May Allāh grant the hujjāj safety,” the post read.
The Day of Arafah is considered one of the holiest days in Islam and takes place on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah. During the day, millions of Muslim pilgrims gather at the plains of Mount Arafat near Makkah to perform one of the most important rites of Hajj.
Eid-al-Adha, celebrated the following day, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. The festival is marked globally by prayers, charitable acts and the symbolic slaughtering of animals.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also declared Monday, 18 May 2026, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
The declaration officially signals the beginning of one of the most spiritually significant periods in the Islamic calendar for Muslims across Nigeria and around the world.
Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, is regarded as one of the holiest months in Islam. In addition to the Hajj pilgrimage, it features major acts of worship, including fasting during the first nine days, the observance of the Day of Arafah and the celebration of Eid-al-Adha.
As preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, authorities in Saudi Arabia and several Muslim-majority countries are expected to continue implementing measures aimed at ensuring the safety, comfort and smooth movement of millions of pilgrims expected to gather in the holy land.