By Omowumi Omotosho
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has announced that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, has been sighted on Tuesday evening. As a result, Dhul Hijjah 1446 officially begins on Tuesday night.
The sighting of the crescent marks the start of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. Accordingly, the Day of ‘Arafah, the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage will fall on Wednesday, 5 June 2025. The following day, Thursday, 6 June 2025, will be observed as Eid Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) across Saudi Arabia and many parts of the Muslim world.
Eid Al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, and is marked by prayers, the ritual sacrifice of animals, and charitable giving.
