Eid ul Adha Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia: Tradition and Modern Insights

Eid ul Adha Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia: Tradition, Modern Insights, and Cultural Significance

As per Arab news – The Supreme Court confirmed on Tuesday that the crescent moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah, the Islamic month during which the Hajj pilgrimage occurs, has been sighted.

As a result, the pilgrimage, which every able and financially capable Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime, will commence on June 4. Pilgrims will gather in the Tent City of Mina, and the Day of Arafah will be observed on June 5.

Every year, millions of Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of Eid ul Adha, a festival deeply rooted in Islamic history and tradition. One of the most fascinating aspects of this holiday is the moon sighting, which determines the precise date of the festival’s beginning. In Saudi Arabia, the process of moon sighting holds great significance, especially for Eid ul Adha. This article will explore the rich history, the science behind the moon sighting, the modern-day methods, and the cultural importance of the Eid ul Adha moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: The Importance of Eid ul Adha Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia

Eid ul Adha, often referred to as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. As with other Islamic holidays, the timing of Eid ul Adha is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which relies heavily on moon sightings to determine the start of significant months, including Dhu al-Hijjah—the month during which Eid ul Adha takes place.

In Saudi Arabia, the moon sighting process is more than just a religious tradition; it is a matter of national importance. The country’s reliance on moon sightings for determining religious observances is a practice that has continued for centuries, blending historical significance with modern scientific methods. This blog post takes an in-depth look at how Saudi Arabia observes the Eid ul Adha moon sighting, the influence it has on the country’s cultural and religious practices, and the ways in which the moon sighting process has evolved in recent years.

Understanding the Lunar Calendar and Moon Sighting

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, which means that months begin with the sighting of the new moon. This differs from the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based. The month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic year, is especially important as it marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid ul Adha.

To determine the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims around the world look for the first visible sighting of the new moon. In Saudi Arabia, a country that holds a central role in the Islamic world, this sighting is even more significant. The government, religious authorities, and astronomical experts closely monitor the moon to confirm the start of Dhu al-Hijjah, as the timing will dictate the dates of Hajj and Eid ul Adha.

While moon sightings are an ancient practice, technology has modernized this ritual. Today, Saudi Arabia blends traditional moon sighting techniques with scientific methods to determine the start of the month. However, the process is not without controversy, as some believe that modern technology can and should replace visual moon sightings.

The Role of the Saudi Supreme Court and Religious Authorities

The moon sighting process in Saudi Arabia is overseen by the Saudi Supreme Court and various religious bodies, most notably the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The court plays a pivotal role in confirming the sighting, as it serves as the final authority on declaring the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is essential for the timing of Hajj and Eid ul Adha.

The Saudi Supreme Court relies on moon sighting reports from across the country. These reports come from local observers, who are trained to identify the new moon with the naked eye. These sightings are then reviewed and verified by a group of scholars and astronomers. The Court announces the official start of the month based on these reports, and this declaration is crucial for the entire country.

Religious scholars in Saudi Arabia also play an important role in the moon sighting process. They uphold the traditional practice of visual observation, even as modern astronomical methods—such as satellite imaging and lunar calculations—become more widely available. While some scholars advocate for the use of technology to predict the moon’s appearance, others maintain that only a visual sighting is valid for marking the beginning of the month. This debate has led to occasional disagreements among religious leaders, creating a nuanced dynamic in the country.

The Evolution of Technology and Its Impact on Moon Sighting

In the past, the moon sighting process in Saudi Arabia relied entirely on human observation. Trained moon sighting committees would ascend tall hills or mountains to get a clear view of the western horizon after sunset to look for the crescent moon. This method required patience, precision, and clear skies, as clouds or other weather conditions could easily obscure the moon.

In recent years, however, advancements in astronomy and satellite technology have revolutionized the way the moon is observed. While the Saudi Supreme Court still emphasizes traditional sighting methods, it has also begun to incorporate astronomical data into the process. Experts now use advanced software to predict the moon’s position, which helps observers identify the best times and places to spot the moon.

Some Islamic scholars argue that the use of technology should not replace the traditional visual sighting, as the practice has deep religious significance. However, there are others who believe that astronomical predictions can complement traditional methods, allowing for a more precise and uniform determination of the start of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Challenges in the Moon Sighting Process

The moon sighting process in Saudi Arabia is not without its challenges. The most obvious challenge is the unpredictability of the weather. Even if the new moon is visible, clouds or other weather conditions can obscure the view, making it impossible to confirm the sighting. Additionally, moon sighting is often conducted by volunteers in various regions of the country, leading to discrepancies in reports and sometimes even conflicting declarations of when the new moon has been sighted.

Moreover, geographical differences also play a role. Moon sightings can vary based on the location of the observer. For example, the moon may be visible in one part of Saudi Arabia but not in another. This regional variation can sometimes create confusion, especially when religious authorities must make quick decisions about when to begin the fasting period for Ramadan or celebrate Eid ul Adha.

To mitigate these issues, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in modernizing its moon sighting infrastructure. The country now employs advanced telescopes, satellite imagery, and astronomy-based software to predict the moon’s appearance with a high degree of accuracy. Despite these advancements, however, the final decision still relies on human observation, and it remains a deeply rooted tradition.

Comparative Analysis: Moon Sighting Practices in Other Countries

While Saudi Arabia’s approach to moon sighting is unique, it shares similarities with other countries in the Muslim world. Many countries, including Indonesia, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, rely on moon sighting to determine the dates for Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. However, each country has its own interpretation of the process, influenced by local customs, religious interpretations, and governmental regulations.

For example, some countries, like Turkey and Malaysia, place greater emphasis on scientific methods, using astronomical calculations and predictions to determine the start of the Islamic months. This reliance on science has led to the creation of official lunar calendars that are widely followed in these regions.

In contrast, countries like Pakistan and India maintain a more traditional approach, where moon sightings by local committees are given priority. In these countries, the sighting of the new moon is an important communal event, often involving large gatherings of people who participate in the sighting process.

The differences in moon sighting practices across countries can sometimes lead to discrepancies in the observance of Islamic holidays. This is particularly noticeable during Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha when different countries may celebrate the festival on different days, even though they are observing the same lunar calendar.

Spiritual Bonus: Important Acts to Perform During the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. According to a hadith from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari

Here are some of the most rewarding acts of worship and devotion that Muslims are encouraged to perform during these sacred days:

🕋 1. Performing Hajj (if eligible)

  • The pinnacle of Dhul Hijjah is the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam.
  • For those physically and financially able, performing Hajj during these days is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation.
  • Pilgrims gather in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, reflecting deep submission and unity.

🕌 2. Increased Prayer and Supplication

  • Engage in Tahajjud (night prayer) and extra nawafil (voluntary prayers).
  • Make frequent du’a (supplication) and seek forgiveness (istighfar).

🧠 3. Fasting (Especially the Day of Arafah – 9th Dhul Hijjah)

  • Fasting the first 9 days (especially for non-pilgrims) is highly recommended.
  • Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates sins of the past year and the year to come.

Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years, the past one and the coming one.”
— Sahih Muslim

📿 4. Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

  • Recite frequently:
    • Takbeer: Allahu Akbar
    • Tahmeed: Alhamdulillah
    • Tahleel: La ilaha illallah
    • Tasbeeh: SubhanAllah
  • From 1st to 13th Dhul Hijjah, Takbeerat should be recited after every obligatory prayer.

💰 5. Charity and Good Deeds

  • Increase sadaqah (charity) and help those in need.
  • Visit the sick, support local causes, and sponsor Hajj for others if possible.

🐑 6. Udhiyah (Qurbani – Animal Sacrifice)

  • One of the most significant acts of Eid ul Adha.
  • Sacrificing a sheep, goat, cow, or camel after Eid prayer honors the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
  • Meat is divided into three parts: for the poor, for relatives/neighbors, and for one’s own family.

📖 7. Reading and Reflecting on the Qur’an

  • Reconnect with the Qur’an during these days—read, understand, and reflect on its teachings.
  • Try to complete a khatm (full recitation) or focus on passages about Hajj, sacrifice, and submission to Allah.

🙏 8. Reconnecting with Faith and Repentance

  • Make sincere taubah (repentance).
  • Avoid sins, purify the heart, and focus on spiritual renewal.

Conclusion: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The moon sighting process for Eid ul Adha in Saudi Arabia is a fascinating blend of deep-rooted religious tradition and modern technological advancements. While the country still relies on visual moon sightings to mark the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah, it has also embraced astronomical methods to predict the moon’s appearance more accurately.

The moon sighting is not only a religious event but also a cultural one, marking a moment of unity for Muslims around the world as they come together to observe Eid ul Adha. Despite the challenges that come with the practice, including discrepancies in moon sightings and weather-related obstacles, the ritual continues to be a central part of Saudi Arabian culture and the Islamic faith.

As technology continues to evolve, the future of moon sighting in Saudi Arabia will likely be shaped by a combination of traditional and modern methods. Whether through visual observation or astronomical predictions, the importance of Eid ul Adha moon sighting will remain a cherished tradition for years to come.

Also view our blog on Saudi Arabia’s New Hajj Rules 2025: Key Changes, Penalties, and Pilgrim Guidelines

“This article is written for educational and cultural insight purposes. All religious practices and rulings should be confirmed with local authorities or scholars.”