Saudi declares June 16 Sallah Day

Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, marking the beginning of the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

While the holy month of Dhul Hijjah begins on Friday, June 14, 2024.

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia had urged all Muslims across the Kingdom to participate in the sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia’s announcement aligns with the Islamic calendar and prepares Muslims around the world for one of its most sacred and unifying periods.

This sighting is crucial in determining the start of Dhul Hijjah and the timing of significant religious observances.

The Hajj pilgrimage for the year 1445 AH will begin on Friday, June 14. The day of Arafah, an important day of prayer and reflection during the Hajj, is scheduled for Saturday, June 15.

Following this, Eid Al-Adha, the largest Islamic festival, will be celebrated on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

The observance of Eid Al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

Dhul Hijjah is one of Islam’s four sacred months, also known as Al Ash-hur Al Hurom.

The other sacred months are Rajab (the seventh), Dhu Al-Qaeda (the eleventh), and Muharram (the first).