Saudi Arabia declares Tuesday May 26 as Arafat Day, says Eid Al-Adha holds May 27
By KEMI KASUMU with Agencies
This global online newspaper reports that, although authorities of Muslim Ummah of Nigeria and Nigeria embark on their divine responsibilities of moon sighting differently, announcement of the moon of Dhul Hijjah by the court being the same with that of Sultan of Sokoto in Nigeria shows evidential unity of result possible from sincere efforts of Muslim leaders in helping their followers to be rightly guided in the worship of their Lord, Allah.
The DEFENDER reports that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has the sole authority to determine when the over two billion Muslims in the world performs Hajj-related worships, made some announcements over the fifth pillar of Islam on Sunday May 17, 2027.
This was as the Kingdom’s Supreme Court declared that Standing at Arafat, which marks the climax of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, will be on Tuesday Dhul Hijjah 9, 1447AH, corresponding to May 26, 2027, and that the first of the three-day Eid Al-Adha celebrations will be on Wednesday May 27.
According to the Supreme Court’s statement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency, Monday May 18, 2026 is the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447AH. The court made the announcement following the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah in the Kingdom.
This global online newspaper reports that, although authorities of Muslim Ummah of Nigeria and Nigeria embark on their divine responsibilities of moon sighting differently, announcement of the moon of Dhul Hijjah by the court being the same with that of Sultan of Sokoto in Nigeria shows evidential unity of result possible from sincere efforts of Muslim leaders in helping their followers to be rightly guided in the worship of their Lord, Allah.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, had declared Monday May 18, 2026 as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447AH following the sighting of the crescent moon in Nigeria.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
The Sultanate Council stated that the declaration paves the way for preparations toward the Eid-el-Adha celebration and the annual Hajj pilgrimage “subject to confirmation” that is to be announced by Saudi Arabia.
“With this declaration, Muslims in Nigeria and beyond will begin preparations for the sacred rites and celebrations associated with Dhul Hijjah, including the Eid-el-Adha festival, which is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, corresponding to the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, subject to confirmation,” the statement said.
The Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court, in confirming what was equally announced in Nigeria by the Sultan, took the decision after holding a session on Sunday evening and reviewing the testimonies submitted by a number of witnesses with regard to the sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Dhul Hijjah.
While making this announcement, the Supreme Court prayed to God to bestow Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman the best reward for the services they provide to the guests of God.
It also supplicated God to enable the pilgrims perform their rituals of Hajj in ease and comfort and accept from them, as well as to preserve the security, stability, and prosperity of Saudi Arabia and its rulers.
