Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court, which confirmed that Monday, May 18, 2026, will be the first day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage will observe the Day of Arafat on Tuesday, May 26, corresponding to the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, while Eid al-Adha celebrations will commence the following day.
The Day of Arafat is regarded as the most significant day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, during which millions of Muslims gather at Mount Arafat near the holy city of Makkah for prayers, repentance and spiritual reflection.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important celebrations in Islam.
The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before, according to Islamic tradition, God provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice.
Hajj remains the fifth pillar of Islam, and Muslims who are physically and financially capable are expected to perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
