I would like to know how the moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia. I read on the Internet that the Hajj authority in Makkah had 'Eed was going to be on Friday 21/01/05, but today it is announced it is on Thursday, if the moon has already been sighted how can this decision be changed.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

The principle in confirming the beginning of the lunar months on which Islamic rulings depend, like fasting, Hajj, and so forth, is the sighting of the crescent. The Supreme Judicial Council in Saudi Arabia issued a report that it is confirmed that the month of Thul-Hijjah commenced on Tuesday, 11 January 2005, and that Arafah Day will be on 19 January. Therefore, the 'Eed day will be on Thursday, 20 January 2005.

Allaah knows best.