World
Moon sighting for Dhu Al-Hijjah 1447 AH begins across Islamic countries
By Reda Abul-Enein Published: 2026-05-17T10:35:00+04:00 2 min read
In the United Arab Emirates, the Emirates Fatwa Council called on specialists, experts, moon-sighters and members of the public — both citizens and residents — to observe the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah after sunset on Sunday, the 29th of Dhu Al-Qa'dah, corresponding to 17 May 2026, as part of preparations for the Hajj season.
Dubai: A number of Islamic countries announced today (Sunday) that they will observe the crescent moon of Dhu Al-Hijjah for the year 1447 AH, amid differences in the methods adopted between traditional sighting and astronomical calculations, most notably in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court also called for the sighting of the crescent moon this evening, corresponding to the 29th of Dhu Al-Qa'dah according to official moon sighting, and the 30th of Dhu Al-Qa'dah according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar. If the crescent is sighted this evening, Monday, 18 May, will mark the first day of Dhu Al-Hijjah. If not, Tuesday, 19 May, will be the first day.
Meanwhile, the Islamic world is awaiting official announcements on the start of the month. In both Tunisia and Turkey, Saturday, 16 May, corresponded to the 29th of Dhu Al-Qa'dah.
Tunisia announces Dhu Al-Hijjah and Eid Al-Adha dates
Tunisia has officially announced that Monday, 18 May 2026, will mark the first day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, with Eid Al-Adha set for Wednesday, 27 May.
Turkey also announces
Turkey, which follows astronomical calculations rather than physical sighting, has also declared Monday, 18 May, as the beginning of the month.
Overall, most Islamic countries consider Sunday, 17 May, to be the 29th of Dhu Al-Qa'dah, with the official start of Dhu Al-Hijjah to be determined based on the sighting of the crescent moon this evening, signalling the beginning of the Hajj season for 1447 AH.