Saudi Arabia Announces Start Dates For Hajj And Eid Al Adha 2024; Details Here

The Saudi Arabia has officially declared that the hajj pilgrimage will commence on June 14, marking the beginning of the sacred month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Supreme Court confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon on Thursday evening, signaling the start of this significant period in the Islamic calendar. The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced that Dhu al-Hijjah will kick off on Friday, with Hajj starting on June 14, followed by Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha celebrations on June 15 and June 16 respectively.
The Supreme Court urged Muslims in the kingdom to participate in the moon sighting, emphasizing the importance of this annual ritual. A dedicated committee was appointed to ensure the accurate observation of the crescent moon at sunset.

BREAKING | The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Dhul Hijjah 1445 (2024) has commenced. #Hajj #HaramainInfo pic.twitter.com/5HpkNjLTUV
— (@HaramainInfo) June 6, 2024

The entire month of Dhu Al Hijjah holds immense religious significance for Muslims, with various days considered holy and integral to the Islamic faith. This announcement sets the stage for devout pilgrims to prepare for the upcoming Hajj journey with reverence and devotion.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred pilgrimage that all Muslims with the means must undertake at least once in their lifetime. This religious journey spans over four days in Mecca and its surroundings in Saudi Arabia. A significant moment occurs on the second day as pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for prayers, where Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon.
This year, the pinnacle of the Hajj falls on June 15, followed by the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha on June 16. Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest Islamic shrines in Mecca and Medina, generates substantial revenue from the annual Hajj and the Umrah pilgrimages throughout the year.
Last year, over 1.8 million Muslims participated in the Hajj. The Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister, Tawfiq al-Rabiah, announced that approximately 1.2 million pilgrims from various countries have already arrived for this year’s Hajj, highlighting the global significance and scale of this spiritual journey.