The Dhul Hijjah crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom announced on Tuesday.

This means that the first day of the new month, according to the lunar calendar, will fall on Wednesday, May 28.

According to the Hijri calendar, Arafah Day falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, followed by the first day of Eid. Muslims around the world will now, therefore, mark Thursday, June 5, as Arafah Day. Meanwhile, the first day of Eid Al Adha, which falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah, will begin on Friday, June 6.

Unlike the more commonly used Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar depends on the lunar cycle. This means that all significant days in the Islamic calendar move forward approximately 11 days each year. Therefore, the sighting of the moon determines when Dhul Hijjah will start and when the 10th day will be.

What is Eid Al Adha?

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, celebrates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son based on Allah's command and how Allah provided him with a ram before the sacrifice happened that the prophet then slaughtered.

The festival is marked by holidays, sacrifices and special prayers. Muslims slaughter livestock — usually, a goat, sheep, cow or camel — to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith.