Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid Al-Adha will be celebrated on Wednesday May 27 after the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah was sighted on Sunday evening.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced on Sunday that Monday, May 18, 2026, will mark the start of Dhul-Hijjah.
According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the court said that pilgrims performing Hajj will stand at Arafat on Tuesday, May 26, corresponding to Dhul-Hijjah 9, while Eid al-Adha will begin the following day on Wednesday, May 27.
The Day of Arafat is considered the pinnacle of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, during which millions of Muslims gather at Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca for prayer and reflection.
Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays in Islam, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before God provided a ram to sacrifice instead, according to Islamic tradition.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and every Muslim is expected to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lives if they have physical and financial capacity.