Saudi Arabia officially declared the commencement of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 14, marking the beginning of the sacred month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Supreme Court confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday evening, indicating the start of this important period in the Islamic calendar. The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced that Dhu al-Hijjah would begin on Friday, with Hajj commencing on June 14, followed by Arafat Day on June 15 and Eid Al Adha celebrations on June 16.

The Supreme Court urged Muslims in the kingdom to participate in the moon sighting, highlighting the significance of this annual ritual. They appointed a dedicated committee to ensure the accurate observation of the crescent moon at sunset.

The entire month of Dhu Al Hijjah carries immense religious significance for Muslims, with various days regarded as holy and integral to the Islamic faith. This announcement prepares devout pilgrims to approach the upcoming Hajj journey with reverence and devotion.

The Hajj, considered one of the five pillars of Islam, requires all Muslims with the means to undertake a sacred pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. This religious journey takes place over four days in Mecca and its surroundings in Saudi Arabia. A pivotal moment occurs on the second day as pilgrims assemble on Mount Arafat for prayers, the site where Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.

This year, the climax of the Hajj occurs on June 15, followed by the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha on June 16. Saudi Arabia, housing the holiest Islamic shrines in Mecca and Medina, earns significant revenue from the annual Hajj and the Umrah pilgrimages conducted throughout the year.

Last year, the Hajj saw participation from over 1.8 million Muslims. The Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister, Tawfiq al-Rabiah, stated that approximately 1.2 million pilgrims from various countries have already arrived for this year’s Hajj, emphasizing the global significance and scale of this spiritual journey.

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