Saudi Arabia Moon Sighting and Eid al-Adha

The annual observance of Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar, is significantly influenced by the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia. As the location of Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, Saudi Arabia’s announcements concerning the lunar cycle hold immense weight for Muslims worldwide.

The process of determining the start of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the month in which the Hajj pilgrimage takes place, is meticulously observed. Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, primarily the Supreme Court, actively solicit reports from designated committees and individual observers across the kingdom. These observers, located in various regions known for clear visibility, scan the western horizon shortly after sunset on the 29th day of Dhu al-Qa’dah, the preceding month, searching for the crescent moon.

If the new moon is sighted, the Supreme Court officially declares the commencement of Dhu al-Hijjah. This declaration is then broadcast widely through state-run media and other channels, informing the global Muslim community of the dates for Arafat Day (the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah) and Eid al-Adha (the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah). Arafat Day is particularly significant as it is the day pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat, considered the most important ritual of the Hajj.

However, if the moon is not sighted, Dhu al-Qa’dah is extended to 30 days, and Dhu al-Hijjah begins on the following day. Consequently, the dates for Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha are also adjusted accordingly.

The Saudi announcement regarding the moon sighting has broad implications. While many Muslims around the globe follow the Saudi declaration to determine their own Eid al-Adha celebrations, others choose to rely on local moon sightings or follow astronomical calculations. This difference in methodology often leads to varied dates for the observance of Eid across different countries and communities.

Despite the potential for discrepancies, the Saudi announcement remains a central reference point, reflecting the kingdom’s spiritual leadership within the Islamic world. The meticulous process and public dissemination of the information ensure that millions of Muslims are informed and prepared to celebrate this significant religious occasion.

The moon sighting, therefore, is not simply an astronomical observation, but a crucial event that connects Muslims worldwide to their faith and to the shared experience of commemorating the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael).