Zil Hajj moon sighted in Saudi Arabia, UAE

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday announced the beginning of Zil Hajj after collecting evidence of crescent sighting in Tamir.

Moon sighting committees observed the crescent of Zil Hajj across the Arab world and other countries, which is crucial for determining the dates of Arafat Day and Eid ul Adha.

Oman has also announced that May 28, 2025 will mark the first day of new month and Eid ul Adha will be observed on June 6.

As per announcement to confirm crescent sightings, Arafat Day will fall on June 5 and Eid ul Adha will be celebrated on June 6.

Furthermore, moon was not sighted in the Pakistan, Sultanate of Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia and they official announced that May 29 will be the first day of Zil Hajj.

The Hajj pilgrimage begins on the 8th day of Zil Hajj and lasts until the 13th of the month.

The hajj, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, involves a series of rituals in Mecca and its surroundings in western Saudi Arabia that take several days to complete.

One of the five pillars of Islam, it must be performed at least once by all Muslims who have the means to do so.

After travelling from all parts of the globe to Islam's holiest city, the pilgrims will first perform the "tawaf" -- circling seven times around the Holy Kaaba.

They will then head towards Mina, a valley surrounded by craggy mountains several kilometres (miles) outside Mecca, where they will spend the night in air-conditioned tents.

The climax will come on Saturday with day-long prayers on Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon.

Eid ul Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” commemorates the Qur’anic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, a test of faith that was divinely interrupted and replaced with a ram.

Additionally, the occasion is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, and charitable acts, including the ritual sacrifice of livestock, with the meat distributed to relatives, friends, and the underprivileged.