Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially announced that the Standing at Mount Arafat — the spiritual climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage — will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with Eid-al-Adha to follow the next day, Wednesday, May 27.
The declaration came after the court confirmed Monday, May 18, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, following the verified sighting of the crescent moon. “The Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court reached the decision after reviewing testimonies submitted by witnesses regarding the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent,” the court stated.
The official account of the Two Holy Mosques, Haramain Info, also confirmed the development on X, noting that “the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah will commence tonight, and Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday, 27th May 2026, inshā Allāh.
“The court offered prayers for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, in recognition of their services to pilgrims. It also prayed for Allah to “grant pilgrims ease and comfort in the performance of Hajj rites, and to preserve the security, stability, and prosperity of Saudi Arabia.
“Nigeria Aligns with Saudi DeclarationIn Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, similarly declared Monday, May 18, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah — aligning the country with the Saudi announcement.
The declaration marks the beginning of one of the most sacred periods in the Islamic calendar, during which millions of Muslims worldwide embark on the Hajj pilgrimage and prepare for Eid-al-Adha.
Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, is home to the spiritually significant Day of Arafah and the global celebration of Eid-al-Adha
