Saudi Arabia confirms dates for 2027 Arafat, Sallah

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially announced the dates for Standing at Mount Arafat and the Eid-al-Adha celebrations, signaling the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The announcement follows the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH.

According to a statement from the court, the Crescent Sighting Department reached the decision after reviewing testimonies submitted by witnesses regarding the lunar sighting. The court also prayed for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commending their services to pilgrims visiting the holy sites.

The official account of the two holy mosques, Haramain Info, confirmed on X that the crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH had been sighted. The tweet stated:

“The blessed month of Dhul Hijjah will commence tonight, and Eid-al-Adha will be observed in shā Allāh. May Allāh ﷻ grant the hujjāj a safe pilgrimage.”

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also declared the first day of Dhul Hijjah, marking the start of this sacred period for Nigerian Muslims.

Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the most sacred periods in Islam. It encompasses key spiritual events, including the Day of Arafah, considered the pinnacle of Hajj, and Eid-al-Adha, a major festival observed by millions worldwide.

The announcements now allow pilgrims and Muslims across the globe to prepare for the spiritual rites and celebrations associated with this holy period.