Eid Al-Adha: Crescent moon sighted in Saudi Arabia

In preparation for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha celebration, Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.

According to the announcement, the Day of Arafah—one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar—will be observed on Friday, June 6, 2025. This day is significant as it falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah and is marked by prayers and fasting by Muslims worldwide.

Following this, the Eid Al-Adha celebration, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The date was also confirmed by the United Arab Emirates moon-sighting committee.

Eid Al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, and it is traditionally observed with special prayers, feasting, and the ritual slaughter of animals.

The authorities also stated that with the moon sighted in Saudi Arabia, the Dhul Hijjah 1446 for Muslims would begin on, Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

This particular announcement comes alongside the confirmation of the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Hijri Calendar, a lunar calendar used in Islam to mark religious events.

However, the Sultanate led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar is yet to release any statement on the moon sighting for Muslims in Nigeria.