Saudi Arabia's Moon Sighting Committee in Harq Governorate, Riyadh, has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah for the Islamic year 1445 AH. Consequently, Friday, June 7th, will be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Day of Arafah will be observed on Saturday, June 15th, followed by Eid al-Adha on Sunday, June 16th.
Earlier, the Saudi Supreme Court had called on Muslims across the country to observe the moon on the evening of Thursday, June 6th, 2024, corresponding to the 29th of Dhu al-Qi'dah.
The Jeddah Astronomical Society provided detailed insights into the celestial mechanics of this event. According to their report, the moon was expected to reach conjunction—when the sun and moon align along the same celestial longitude—on June 6th at 3:37 PM Mecca time. This conjunction marks a significant phase in the lunar cycle, occurring simultaneously worldwide.
On the evening of June 6th, the sun set over Mecca at precisely 7:02 PM. The moon appeared just above the horizon at one degree of elevation. The moon's elongation, or angular distance from the sun, was four degrees with an illumination of 0.1%. The moon set 11 minutes later at 7:13 PM, fulfilling the criteria for the commencement of the new lunar month.
The sighting of the moon for Dhu al-Hijjah is a pivotal event in the Islamic calendar, signaling the beginning of a month filled with significant religious observances, including the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha. Confirmation of the moon sighting by Saudi authorities aligns with traditional Islamic practices and holds great religious and cultural significance.
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