Saudi Arabia to sight Dhu Al Hijjah crescent tonight
Some astronomers have predicted new Islamic month will start Sunday
Cairo: Saudi Arabia will sight Friday evening the new moon of the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijjah during which the annual Hajj pilgrimage is performed and Eid Al Adha is celebrated.
The country’s Supreme Court has called on all Muslims throughout the kingdom to sight the crescent of the new month.
The court urged anyone, who spots the crescent with the naked eye or via a telescope to inform the nearest court, register a testimony there or contact the nearest centre to assist him in reaching the nearest court.
Some astronomers have said that it is difficult to spot the crescent tonight, predicting that Dh Al Hijjah will begin next Sunday. If so, the climax of Hajj will take place on July 19 followed by the Eid on Tuesday, July 20. Hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars.
However, it is the Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia which has the jurisdiction to announce when the crescent is spotted and accordingly the start of the new month.