Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Saudi Arabia officially announced that Monday marks the first day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, with the Day of Arafat falling on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and Eid al-Adha beginning on Wednesday, May 27.
The announcement was made by the Saudi Supreme Court following the sighting of the crescent moon, formally launching the holiest days of the Islamic calendar and setting the timeline for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
The Day of Arafat, regarded as the spiritual peak of Hajj, will see millions of Muslim pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat in one of Islam’s most sacred rituals before the start of Eid al-Adha celebrations across the Muslim world.
Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan urged Muslims worldwide to intensify acts of worship, prayer, charity, fasting, and remembrance of God during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, which are considered among the most spiritually significant days in Islam.
In a guidance message marking the beginning of the holy days, Al-Fawzan cited prophetic traditions emphasizing that righteous deeds performed during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are more beloved to God than deeds performed at any other time of the year.
Quoting a narration from Sahih al-Bukhari reported by Ibn Abbas, the Grand Mufti recalled the Prophet Muhammad saying: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.”
He encouraged Muslims to increase voluntary prayers, charity, fasting, and especially the remembrance of God through takbeer, tahleel, and praise.
The Grand Mufti also highlighted the importance of fasting on the Day of Arafat for non-pilgrims, referencing a hadith narrated by Abu Qatada in which the Prophet Muhammad said fasting on Arafat expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.
The announcement signals the final countdown to Eid al-Adha festivities and the annual Hajj season, as preparations intensify across Saudi Arabia for the arrival and movement of pilgrims from around the world.
