General News
JUST IN: Saudi Arabia Announces Crescent Moon Sighting, Sets Dates for Sallah
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah on Thursday evening, officially marking the beginning of the sacred month and the commencement of the Hajj pilgrimage season.
According to the announcement published in major Saudi newspapers and Gulf News, the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah will be Friday, June 7. The critical dates for the Hajj have been set as follows: Arafat Day will be observed on Saturday, June 15, and Eid Al Adha will begin on Sunday, June 16.
Approximately 2.5 million Muslim faithful are expected to perform Hajj this year. Saudi authorities have reported that as of Tuesday, one million foreign pilgrims have already arrived in the kingdom via airports, land, and seaports.
Specifically, around 65,000 pilgrims are anticipated to journey from Nigeria, with over 43,000 already airlifted according to daily updates from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).