Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah 1446, signalling the countdown to Hajj 2025 and the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
According to HaramainInfo, the first day of Dhul Hijjah falls on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
This means the pivotal Day of Arafah—the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage—will be observed on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6.
The Day of Arafah is considered the most sacred day in the Islamic calendar, during which pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat in supplication. Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, follows immediately and is observed by Muslims worldwide in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
The announcement invites millions of Muslims to spiritually prepare for what Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described as the most beloved days to Allah for righteous deeds. In a hadith cited by Bukhari, the Prophet said, “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days,” referring to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
As preparations intensify for the annual pilgrimage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the global Muslim community are now set to observe these spiritually significant days.
