Known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice,’ Eid Al-Adha is the second of the two major Islamic holidays – the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent will determine the dates for 2026
As the holy month of Dhul Qidah 1447 AH draws to a close, the global Muslim community is turning its eyes to the skies for the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon. This sighting is the final step in confirming the official dates for the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al-Adha 2026.
The moon sighting process varies slightly by region based on geographical location and local sighting traditions. In Saudi Arabia & UAE, the official moon sighting committees in the Kingdom and the Emirates will gather on the evening of Saturday, May 16, 2026 (the 29th of Dhul Qidah). If the crescent is spotted, the month of Dhul Hijjah will begin the following day.
India, Pakistan & Bangladesh, in the Indian subcontinent, the moon sighting usually occurs a day later. Religious authorities in these countries are expected to look for the crescent on the evening of Sunday, May 17, 2026.
According to the International Astronomical Center (IAC) and the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub, the new moon is expected to be “born” early on Sunday, May 17. Because of this, astronomers predict that the crescent will be easily visible to the naked eye on Sunday evening across most of the Islamic world.
What is Eid Al-Adha?
Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid Al-Adha is the second of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year. It honors the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.
Before the sacrifice could take place, God provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead.
How it is observed:
- The Qurbani: Families who can afford it sacrifice a livestock animal (usually a goat, sheep, or cow) and divide the meat into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives/friends, and one for the poor.
- Eid Prayers: The day begins with a special congregational prayer ( Salat al-Eid ) held in large fields or mosques.
- Hajj Connection: The holiday marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, specifically following the Day of Arafah.