Eid ul Adha 2025: Saudi Arabia calls for Zil Hajj moon sighting on May 27

Anyone who spots crescent asked to report to nearest court and register their testimony

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A crescent moon and the planet Venus are seen through an oak tree in Ellaville, Georgia, US, January 3, 2025. — Reuters
A crescent moon and the planet Venus are seen through an oak tree in Ellaville, Georgia, US, January 3, 2025. — Reuters

RIYADH: The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims across the kingdom to sight the crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, May 27, to determine the start of Zil Hajj 2025, the Islamic month during which Eid ul Adha and Hajj are observed.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the court requested anyone who spots the crescent —whether with the naked eye or binoculars — to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.

The court also encouraged participation in official moon-sighting committees formed in various regions to assist in this significant religious process.

The Hajj pilgrimage begins on the 8th day of Zil Hajj and lasts until the 13th of the month. This year, Hajj is expected to take place between June 4 to June 9.

However, if the crescent moon is not sighted on May 27, then the month of Zil Qadah will complete 30 days, and Zil Hajj will begin on Thursday, May 29.

Consequently, Eid ul Adha would shift to Saturday, June 7, pushing the Hajj pilgrimage and celebrations forward by one day in the kingdom.

Final confirmation of Eid ul Adha and Hajj dates will depend on the official moon-sighting announcement made closer to the end of Zil Qadah.