* Tuesday, May 26 fixed for Arafat Day as Muslims prepare for Eid Al Adha celebrations
Saudi Arabia and Nigeria have officially declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH following the sighting of the crescent moon, setting Tuesday, May 26, as the Day of Arafat and Wednesday, May 27, for the celebration of Eid Al Adha.
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court announced that Standing at Arafat, which marks the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, will take place on Tuesday, May 26, while Eid Al Adha celebrations will hold the following day.
According to a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, 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 on Sunday evening.
The court prayed for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, for the services rendered to pilgrims visiting the holy sites.
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.
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also declared Monday, May 18, as the first day of Zulhijjah 1447 AH.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
The announcement marks the beginning of one of the most spiritually significant periods in the Islamic calendar, during which millions of Muslims across the world perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage and prepare for Eid Al Adha celebrations.
Islamic scholars have encouraged Muslims, particularly those not performing Hajj, to maximise the spiritual opportunities embedded in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah through fasting, prayers, charity, remembrance of Allah, and other righteous deeds.
The Sultanate Council also urged Muslims in Nigeria and beyond to use the sacred month to pray for peace, unity, and progress in the country.
Sponsored Event
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
