Riyadh: As the holy month of Dhul Hijjah approaches, Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj 2025 and the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called for the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
If the moon is sighted, Dhul Hijjah will begin on May 28, placing the Hajj pilgrimage between June 4 and June 9 and Eid-ul-Adha on Friday, June 6. If the moon is not sighted, the Hajj will shift to June 5–10, with Eid observed on Saturday, June 7.
The pilgrimage, one of Islam's five pillars, draws millions to the holy city of Mecca each year. It begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and peaks with prayers at Arafat on the 9th, followed by the global celebration of Eid.
As of now, nearly 962,000 pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia, primarily through airports, as confirmed by the Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports. Advanced crowd management strategies are in place at the Grand Mosque, with the Mataf area ready to host 107,000 pilgrims per hour and total worshipper capacity expanded to 203,000. Saudi authorities are also prioritizing safety.
The Interior Ministry has warned against performing Hajj without valid permits, arresting 14 individuals for transporting 44 unregistered pilgrims. Penalties include fines up to SAR 100,000, imprisonment, deportation, and vehicle confiscation.
Hajj is not just a physical journey—it’s a spiritual one rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
It serves as a reminder of unity, humility, and devotion. Final dates will be confirmed based on the moon sighting tradition, preserving a centuries-old practice that brings Muslim communities together worldwide.
