Riyadh: The Saudi government has announced that Friday October 28, 2011 will be the first day of Dhul-Hijja, 1432 Hijri.

And Saturday November 5, 2011 will correspond to Dhul-Hijja 9, 1432Hijri (the ceremonial day for Muslim pilgrims to stand on Mount Arafa) and that November 6, 2011 will correspond to Dhul-Hijja 10, 1432 Hijri that is the first day of Eid al-Adha (the sacrificial day for Muslim).

A statement issued by the government this evening confirmed that the new moon was sighted tonight (Thursday October 27, 2011 which corresponds to 29 Dhul- Qa’dah 1432H) as has been testified to court by a number of acceptable witnesses in a number of governorates.