Saudi Arabia Announces Commencement of Dhul Hijjah 1446, Marking the Start of Hajj Season and Eid al-Adha
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
This announcement holds immense significance for Muslims around the world, as Dhul Hijjah marks a sacred period filled with acts of worship, spiritual reflection, and major Islamic events.
The announcement, shared on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, via Haramain Sharifain’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), declared that Dhul Hijjah 1446 will commence on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
According to the post, the following important Islamic observances will take place during Dhul Hijjah:
First Day of Dhul Hijjah: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Day of Arafah: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice): Friday, June 6, 2025
These dates provide a structured timeline for religious rituals, allowing Muslims worldwide to coordinate their worship, travel for Hajj, and celebration of Eid in unison.
The Day of Arafah, which falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah—June 5, 2025—is considered the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage. On this day, millions of pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, just outside Makkah, in a profound demonstration of humility, unity, and submission to God. It was at this site that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon.
For those not participating in Hajj, observing a fast on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended, as it is believed to expiate the sins of the previous year and the year to come.
Following the Day of Arafah, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6, 2025, marking the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah. Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) unwavering faith and readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael), in obedience to Allah’s command. In honor of this act of devotion, Allah substituted a ram in place of Ismail.
Eid al-Adha is observed with:
Special congregational prayers, typically held in large open spaces or mosques
The ritual sacrifice of livestock (such as goats, sheep, cows, or camels)
Distributing meat among family, friends, and the poor
Acts of charity, reflection, and family gatherings
This sacred occasion emphasizes selflessness, generosity, and devotion—values at the heart of the Islamic faith.
As pilgrims enter the sacred state of ihram—a spiritual and physical state of purity required for performing Hajj—they often recite the Talbiyah, a powerful invocation that reaffirms the oneness of God and the pilgrim’s readiness to submit to His will.
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda, Wannimata, Laka Wal-Mulk, La Sharika Lak.”
(“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You, and You have no partner.”)
This chant, repeated by millions in unison, echoes through the sacred sites of Makkah, symbolizing the unity and devotion of the global Muslim community.
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s two holiest sites—Makkah and Madinah, holds the religious authority in declaring the start of lunar months based on the sighting of the moon. As such, this announcement serves as a reference point for Muslims around the world to synchronize their religious observances during this spiritually charged period.
In 2024, for instance, the Kingdom declared June 16 as the day for Eid al-Adha (Sallah Day). This year’s announcement ensures that Muslims can now plan accordingly for Hajj preparations, Eid prayers, charitable acts, family gatherings, and the symbolic sacrifice associated with Eid al-Adha.
The onset of Dhul Hijjah marks more than just a new month—it ushers in a time of intense devotion, personal sacrifice, communal solidarity, and divine connection. Whether embarking on the journey of Hajj or observing the days from afar, Muslims are encouraged to maximize acts of worship, seek forgiveness, increase charity, and reflect on the values of obedience, gratitude, and compassion.
As the global Muslim ummah prepares to honor this holy month, the announcement from Saudi Arabia reaffirms the unifying power of faith and the timeless traditions that continue to inspire generations.