Hajj Two Days Earlier by Order of the Saudi Government

Question

This year the new moon was sighted on 29 Dhu al-Qa'da 1395 AH, a Thursday, and 1 Dhu al-Hijja fell on Friday. By this reckoning the Day of 'Arafa was on Saturday, and that very day was the day of standing at 'Arafat and the day of Hajj. Is this Hajj valid? Were the sacrifices offered in Mina on 10 Dhu al-Hijja valid? Have these pilgrims discharged the obligation of Hajj that was fard upon them?

Answer

As far as I know, in the Saudi state great care is taken over the sighting of the new moon (ru'yat al-hilal), especially in connection with Hajj. Wherever the moon is sighted, testimony (shahada) is immediately taken at the department, and the qadis of the whole region try to gather proof; then this proof and testimony are subjected to thorough scrutiny (jarh)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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