The Saudi Arabian authorities have announced that Friday, June 7, will mark the beginning of the holy month for 1445 AH, with the Hajj pilgrimage commencing on Friday, June 14. The day of Arafah will be observed on Saturday, June 15.

Following the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, signaling the start of the 12th Islamic month, the authorities have declared Sunday, June 16, 2024, as the day for this year's Eid al-Adha (Sallah) celebration. This announcement was made on Thursday.

Eid al-Adha, the most significant Muslim festival, is characterized by the sacrificial killing of rams, which Muslims view as an act of devotion. The festival falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Saudi Supreme Court had earlier called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to participate in the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah to determine the commencement of the new month and the exact date of the festival.