Saudi Arabia has declared the sighting of the crescent moon, which signals the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Haramain Sharifain announced on X on Tuesday that Dhul Hijjah 1446 will begin on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
The message emphasised important dates for upcoming Islamic observances: “First day of Dhul Hijjah – Wednesday, 28th May 2025”.
“The Day of Arafah—Thursday, June 5, 2025”
“Day of Eid Al Adha – Friday, 6th June 2025”
The Day of Arafah, which according to Saudi Arabia, falls on June 5, holds immense spiritual significance as pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for the climax of Hajj.
Eid-el-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, takes place on June 6.
Eid-el-Adha, observed by Muslims worldwide, celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) dedication and willingness to sacrifice his son in service to Allah.
Haramain Sharifain also posted a supplication often recited by pilgrims entering a state of ihram: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda, Wannimata, Laka Wal-Mulk, La Sharika Lak.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
