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When id al-Adha 2026 in the US?
Millions of Muslims around the world are already asking one question: when is Eid al Adha 2026? Whether you are planning time off work, booking travel for Hajj, or simply preparing to celebrate with family, knowing the exact date in advance makes all the difference. In this complete guide, you will find the confirmed date, the full Dhul Hijjah calendar, country-by-country holidays, and everything you need to know about Eid al-Adha 2026.
When Is Eid al Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to begin at sunset on Tuesday, May 26, with the main celebration on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, marking the 10th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. This date is calculated based on the Islamic lunar calendar, though the official start may vary by one day depending on moon sighting confirmation in different countries.
Gregorian Date vs. Hijri Date
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning each month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. Eid al-Adha always falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah , the 12th and final month of the Islamic (Hijri) year. In 2026, this corresponds to May 27 in the Gregorian calendar, within the year 1447 AH (Anno Hegirae).
Why the Date Changes Every Year
The Islamic lunar year is approximately 354 days, about 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian year. This is why Eid al-Adha 2026, as well as all Islamic occasions including Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, shift earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Over a 33-year cycle, Eid al-Adha rotates through all four seasons.
Eid al Adha 2026 Date by Country
Most countries follow the moon sighting method locally or adopt the Saudi Arabian announcement. Below is an expected date comparison:
Country | Expected Date | Method |
|---|---|---|
USA & Canada | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | ISNA / local calculation |
United Kingdom | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Moon sighting committees |
Pakistan & India | Wednesday or Thursday, May 27–28 | Local moon sighting |
Indonesia & Malaysia | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Government announcement |
Morocco & Algeria | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Local moon sighting |
All dates are subject to official moon sighting confirmation. Always verify with your local Islamic authority.
The Dhul Hijjah Calendar 2026
Dhul Hijjah 2026 is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic year. It marks the season of Hajj, the Day of Arafah, Eid al-Adha, and the Tashreeq Days. Here is the complete calendar:
First Day of Dhul Hijjah: May 18, 2026
The month of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH is expected to begin on Monday, May 18, 2026. This marks the official start of the Hajj season and the most blessed ten days of the Islamic year. Muslims worldwide are encouraged to increase their worship, fasting, and remembrance of Allah from this day onward.
The First 10 Days: Most Blessed Days of the Year
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah as the most virtuous days in the entire year. Acts of worship during these days carry special weight and reward.
ما من أيام العمل الصالح فيها أحب إلى الله من هذه الأيام , يعني أيام العشر
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
, Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 969
Recommended acts during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah:
- Fasting, especially on the Day of Arafah (Day 9)
- Reciting Takbeer: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd
- Giving in charity and increasing good deeds
- Reading Quran and making Du’a
- For those performing Qurbani , avoid cutting hair or nails from Dhul Hijjah 1 until after sacrifice
Day of Arafah: May 26, 2026
The Day of Arafah is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and falls on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. It is the spiritual pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage , the day when pilgrims stand on the plains of Arafah and seek Allah’s forgiveness. For Muslims not performing Hajj, fasting on this day is highly recommended.
صيام يوم عرفة أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التي قبله والسنة التي بعده
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
, Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1162
Eid al-Adha: May 27, 2026
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah , Wednesday, May 27, 2026 , is Eid al-Adha itself. This is the day of the Eid prayer, the Qurbani (animal sacrifice), and joyful celebration with family and community. Muslims around the world dress in their finest clothes, attend the Eid prayer, and share the meat of the sacrifice.
Tashreeq Days: May 28–30, 2026
The 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah (May 28–30, 2026) are known as the Ayyam al-Tashreeq, or Days of Tashreeq. These are days of celebration, eating, drinking, and remembering Allah. Fasting is prohibited on these days. Pilgrims performing Hajj remain in Mina during this period, completing their Hajj rites.
What Is Eid al Adha? The Story Behind the Festival
Eid al-Adha meaning the Festival of Sacrifice in Arabic is one of the two major Eids in Islam. It is celebrated worldwide with prayer, sacrifice, and generosity. To understand its meaning, we must look back to one of the greatest stories in Islamic tradition.
The Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) was commanded by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael). In an extraordinary act of submission and trust in Allah, both father and son accepted this divine command. Just as Ibrahim prepared to sacrifice his son, Allah intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram, accepting their ultimate obedience as the true sacrifice.
فَلَمَّا أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُ لِلْجَبِينِ وَنَادَيْنَاهُ أَنْ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا
“And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him: O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision.”
, Surah As-Saffat (37:103–105)
This story of Prophet Ibrahim is the very foundation of Eid al-Adha. It teaches that true worship is complete surrender to Allah’s will, and that Allah rewards those who trust Him completely.
Why Is It Called the Festival of Sacrifice?
Eid al-Adha is called the Festival of Sacrifice because of the Qurbani , the ritual slaughter of a livestock animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) performed in honor of Ibrahim’s obedience. The act of Qurbani is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a symbol of a Muslim’s willingness to give up something of value for the sake of Allah.
The rules for Eid ul Adha sacrifice require that the animal must be healthy, of appropriate age, and sacrificed after the Eid prayer. The meat is then divided , one-third for the family, one-third for relatives, and one-third for charity.
Differences Between Eid al-Adha vs. Eid al-Fitr
Many people wonder about the eid ul fitr and eid ul adha. While both are major Islamic celebrations, they differ in their occasion, timing, and practices:
Feature | Eid al-Adha | Eid al-Fitr |
|---|---|---|
When | 10th Dhul Hijjah | 1st Shawwal (after Ramadan) |
Meaning | Festival of Sacrifice | Festival of Breaking the Fast |
Connection | End of Hajj / Ibrahim’s sacrifice | End of Ramadan fasting |
Key practice | Qurbani (animal sacrifice) | Zakat al-Fitr (charity) |
Duration | 3–4 days (Tashreeq Days) | 1–3 days |
Fasting before | Fasting on Day of Arafah (Day 9) | Fasting all of Ramadan |
Also known as | Greater Eid / Bakra Eid | Lesser Eid / Sweet Eid |
How to Celebrate Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha celebration is a time of worship, generosity, and joy. Here is how Muslims around the world mark this blessed day:
- Wake up early, perform Ghusl (ritual bath), and wear clean or new clothes
- Eat nothing before the Eid prayer unlike Eid al-Fitr, it is recommended to eat only after the sacrifice
- Attend the Eid prayer at the mosque or an open prayer ground
- Listen to the Eid Khutbah (sermon) after the prayer
- Perform Qurbani (sacrifice) on the day of Eid or during the Tashreeq Days
- Distribute the meat to family, relatives, and those in need
- Visit family and loved ones, exchange greetings: ‘Eid Mubarak’ or ‘Taqabbal Allahu Minna wa Minkum’
- Give gifts to children and contribute to charitable causes
How and When Eid Prayer?
The Eid al-Adha prayer (Salat al-Eid) is Wajib (obligatory according to the Hanafi school) or Sunnah Muakkadah (strongly recommended in other schools). It is performed in congregation, typically between sunrise and noon on the morning of May 27, 2026.
The prayer consists of two Rak’ahs with additional Takbeers , six extra Takbeers in the first Rak’ah and five in the second, according to the majority opinion. No Adhan or Iqamah is given before the Eid prayer.
Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice) Rules & Who Must Do It
Qurbani is obligatory (Wajib) for every adult Muslim who possesses the Nisab threshold (the minimum wealth requiring Zakat). The rules for eid ul adha sacrifice include:
- The animal must be a sheep or goat (minimum 1 year old), cow or buffalo (minimum 2 years), or camel (minimum 5 years)
- The animal must be free from defects , no missing limbs, blindness, or severe illness
- Sacrifice must take place after the Eid prayer on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul Hijjah
- One sheep or goat counts for one person; one cow or camel can be shared by up to seven people
- The person performing Qurbani should avoid cutting hair or nails from the start of Dhul Hijjah
How Qurbani Meat Is Divided (⅓ Family / ⅓ Relatives / ⅓ Charity)
The meat of the Qurbani animal is traditionally divided into three equal parts:
- One-third for your immediate family
- One-third for relatives, neighbors, and friends
- One-third for the poor and those in need
This distribution reflects the spirit of Eid al-Adha , sharing blessings and ensuring that even those who cannot afford meat enjoy the celebration. Many Islamic charities also accept Qurbani donations on your behalf to feed communities in need across the world.
Sunnah Acts of Eid al-Adha
- Perform Ghusl before the Eid prayer
- Wear the best available clothes
- Apply perfume (men only)
- Recite the Takbeer loudly while going to the prayer ground
- Eat nothing before the prayer , wait until after the sacrifice
- Take a different route home after the prayer (as modeled by the Prophet)
- Greet fellow Muslims warmly with Eid greetings
How Is Eid al-Adha 2026 Connected to Hajj?
Eid al-Adha and Hajj are deeply intertwined. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam , the pilgrimage to Mecca , and it culminates precisely on the days of Eid al-Adha and the Tashreeq Days. Eid al-Adha marks the spiritual high point of the entire Hajj journey.
When Is Hajj 2026?
Hajj 2026 will take place from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. In Gregorian dates, this corresponds to approximately:
Hajj Day | Dhul Hijjah | Gregorian Date 2026 | Key Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
Day of Tarwiyah | 8th | Sunday, May 24 | Pilgrims travel to Mina |
Day of Arafah | 9th | Monday, May 25 / Tuesday May 26 | Standing at Arafah , heart of Hajj |
Eid al-Adha | 10th | Wednesday, May 27 | Sacrifice, shaving, Tawaf al-Ifadah |
Tashreeq Day 1 | 11th | Thursday, May 28 | Rami al-Jamarat in Mina |
Tashreeq Day 2 | 12th | Friday, May 29 | Rami al-Jamarat , optional departure |
Tashreeq Day 3 | 13th | Saturday, May 30 | Final Rami and departure |
Exact dates subject to moon sighting confirmation. Saudi Arabia’s official announcement determines the Hajj calendar.
What Happens in Mecca on Eid Day?
On the morning of Eid al-Adha, pilgrims who have completed the standing at Arafah move to Muzdalifah for overnight rest, then proceed to Mina where they perform the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat (representing the rejection of Shaytan).
They then sacrifice their Qurbani animals, shave or trim their hair, and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah the circling of the Kaaba to complete their Hajj.
Simultaneously, billions of Muslims around the world join in the spirit of sacrifice and celebration, performing their own Qurbani and Eid prayers, spiritually connected to the pilgrims in Mecca.
Public Holidays on Eid al-Adha 2026
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in most Muslim-majority countries. Below is a summary of expected public holiday periods:
Region / Country | Public Holiday Period | Working Days Off |
|---|---|---|
UK | May 27–29, 2026 | 0–1 day (not an official public holiday) |
Pakistan | May 27–29, 2026 | 3 days |
Indonesia | May 27, 2026 | 1 official day + weekend |
Malaysia | May 27, 2026 | 1–2 days |
Turkey | May 26–30, 2026 | 4.5 days (including eve) |
Morocco | May 27–28, 2026 | 2 days |
Is Eid al-Adha a Public Holiday in the US & UK?
Eid al-Adha is not a federal public holiday in the United States or the United Kingdom.
However, many Muslim-majority schools, Islamic community organizations, and some government agencies in major cities with large Muslim populations recognize the day. Muslims in both countries typically request annual leave to celebrate with their families.
In 2015, New York City became the first major US city to officially recognize Eid al-Adha as a school holiday, a significant milestone reflecting the diversity of the Muslim community in America.
Plan Your Eid al-Adha the Right Way Quran Learning for the Whole Family
Eid al-Adha is not just a celebration, it is a moment to reconnect with your faith, your family, and the words of Allah. One of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself or your children this Eid is a deeper connection with the Quran.
At our online Quran Bliss academy, we offer personalized one-on-one Quran lessons for beginners, children, adults, and even busy parents , all from the comfort of your home. Whether you want to learn how to recite the Quran correctly with Tajweed, memorize key Surahs, or understand the meaning of what you recite, our qualified teachers are here to guide you every step of the way.
This Eid al-Adha 2026, give the gift of Quran education. Start your free trial lesson today and take the first step toward a lifelong connection with the Book of Allah.
FAQ , People Also Ask
Eid al-Adha 2026 falls on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 , a day of great significance for the 1.8 billion Muslims across the globe. From the blessed first ten days of Dhul Hijjah to the Day of Arafah on May 26 and the joyful celebrations through the Tashreeq Days, this is one of the most spiritually rich seasons in the Islamic calendar.
Whether you are planning your Qurbani, observing the fast of Arafah, or simply celebrating Eid al-Adha with your family, may Allah accept your worship and grant you and your loved ones a blessed Eid. Taqabbal Allahu Minna wa Minkum , May Allah accept from us and from you.
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). The exact date depends on the official moon sighting in each country.
Eid al-Adha officially lasts four days — the 10th through the 13th of Dhul Hijjah (May 27–30, 2026). The first day is the main Eid day, while the following three days are called Ayyam al-Tashreeq, which are also days of celebration and the continuation of Qurbani.
The date is generally the same in most countries, but can differ by one day due to different moon sighting methods. Countries that follow Saudi Arabia’s official announcement celebrate on the same day. Others rely on local moon sighting, which may result in a one-day difference — particularly between countries in Asia and the Middle East.
The Day of Arafah in 2026 falls on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. It is the most important day of Hajj and one of the most blessed days of the year for all Muslims. Fasting on this day is highly recommended for those not performing Hajj, as it expiates the sins of the past and upcoming year.
No. Fasting is strictly prohibited on the day of Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) and the three Tashreeq Days that follow (11th, 12th, and 13th Dhul Hijjah). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explicitly forbade fasting on these four days. However, fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) — the day before Eid — is highly recommended.
Zakat for Eid al-Adha is a common question but it is important to clarify: the specific charity linked to Eid al-Adha is Qurbani (the sacrifice), not Zakat. Zakat is the annual obligatory charity paid on wealth that has reached the Nisab threshold over a full lunar year — it is not specific to Eid al-Adha. However, many Muslims choose to give additional charity (Sadaqah) during the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah as part of their Eid al-Adha preparation. When is Eid al Adha 2026?
How Many Days Does Eid al-Adha Last?
Is Eid al-Adha the Same Date Worldwide?
What Is the Day of Arafah 2026?
Can I Fast on Eid al-Adha?
What Is Zakat for Eid al-Adha?
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