The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the new crescent moon, declaring Tuesday as the first day of the new Islamic lunar month. The announcement marks the beginning of a new month in the Hijri calendar followed across the Kingdom and many Muslim-majority countries.
The decision was made after the crescent moon was reportedly sighted by designated observation committees across various regions. Following the confirmation, the Supreme Court validated the reports and issued an official directive marking the start of the new month in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia follows the Islamic lunar calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, in which months begin with the sighting of the crescent moon. This traditional system is used to determine important Islamic months such as Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhul Hijjah, which are associated with key religious observances including fasting and pilgrimage.
Moon sighting in the Kingdom is carried out through a combination of naked-eye observations and reports from authorized committees stationed in different regions. These findings are then reviewed and confirmed by the Supreme Court, which holds the authority to officially declare the beginning of each lunar month.
With the announcement, Tuesday has been confirmed as the first day of the new Islamic month. Such declarations play an important role in setting the dates for religious events, including the start and end of fasting periods, Eid celebrations, and other significant Islamic observances.
The announcement is closely followed not only within Saudi Arabia but also across the broader Muslim world, as many countries and communities align their religious calendars with the Kingdom’s official moon sighting decisions. Government institutions, businesses, and educational bodies in Saudi Arabia are expected to adjust schedules accordingly.
Officials emphasized the importance of verified sightings and adherence to established procedures to maintain accuracy in the Islamic calendar. The updated calendar will now reflect the beginning of the new month, guiding religious and public observances in the days ahead.
Leave a Reply