Saudi Arabia Urges Muslims to Observe the Dhu al-Hijjah Crescent on Sunday Evening

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, RIYADH – The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to observe the hilal (crescent moon) of Dhu al-Hijjah on Sunday evening (17/5/2026).

The court requests that anyone who sights the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or through binoculars, report it to the nearest court to register their testimony or contact the nearest official centre for assistance.

Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan, urged Muslims to increase their worship and good deeds, such as prayer, charity, fasting, and remembrance of Allah, during the first ten days of the blessed month of Dhu al-Hijjah. He affirmed that good deeds performed at the beginning of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah are highly favoured by Allah.

Al-Fawzan highlighted the great virtue of fasting on Arafah Day for those not performing Hajj, which can expiate sins for two years, as quoted on the Arab News website, Sunday (17/5/2026).

He also reminded those who perform qurban udhiyah (sacrificial slaughter) not to cut their hair, nails, or skin from the beginning of the month until the sacrifice is completed.

For information, every 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha. The term Eid al-Adha comes from the words ‘id’ and ‘adha’. ‘Id’ stems from the word ‘aada ya’uudu’ which has the basic meaning of “visiting”, “seeing”, or “returning”.