Read the latest updates on the Hajj pilgrimage here
The Dhu Al Hijja crescent moon has been sighted on Wednesday evening in Saudi Arabia’s Tumair Observatory, according to the kingdom's Supreme Court.
The sighting of the Moon marks the beginning of the Dhu Al Hijja Islamic month in which the Hajj pilgrimage is performed, followed by Eid Al Adha.
As the Moon was sighted on Wednesday evening, Hajj will begin on July 7 with Arafat Day on July 8. Eid Al Adha, known as the festival of the sacrifice, will begin on Saturday, July 9.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court had called on people living in the kingdom to sight the crescent moon of the month of Dhu Al Hijja on Wednesday evening.
Those who spot the Moon with their naked eye or using binoculars are urged to report it to the nearest court and register their testimony.
The entire month of Dhu Al Hijja is holy, with a series of days important to the Muslim faith.
Dhu Al Hijja is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the four sacred months for Muslims, called Al Ash-hur Al Hurom.
Pilgrims arrive for Hajj - in pictures
-
Worshippers gather before the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Saudi Arabia will welcome 850,000 Muslims from abroad for Hajj after the coronavirus pandemic restricted pilgrimage for two years. AFP -
Worshippers arrive at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP -
Worshippers arrive at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP -
Worshippers arrive at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AFP -
Worshippers gather before the Kaaba. AFP -
Pilgrims offer prayers before Hajj. SPA -
Pilgrims arrive in the holy city of Madinah. SPA -
Pilgrims offer prayers. SPA -
Coachloads of pilgrims in Madinah. SPA -
Pilgrims at prayer. SPA -
Moroccan pilgrims arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. SPA -
Jeddah Port admits one of 1,183 Hajj pilgrims from Sudan. SPA -
Hajj pilgrims from Sudan arrive at Jeddah Port. SPA -
Officials at Jeddah check the papers of Hajj pilgrims on their arrival from Sudan. SPA -
Customs officials check the papers of Hajj pilgrims at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. SPA
