Muslims Worldwide Prepare to Celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27

Millions of Muslims across the globe are set to observe Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, coinciding with the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Saudi Arabia's moon-sighting committees confirmed the start of the month earlier in May, fixing the key dates for the Festival of Sacrifice and the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Dhul Hijjah began on May 18, 2026, after the crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia and several other countries. This placed the Day of Arafah on Tuesday, May 26, and Eid al-Adha on May 27.

The festival typically spans three to four days, with celebrations extending through May 29 or 30 in many regions, depending on local moon sightings and national announcements.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in Jewish and Christian traditions, to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God's command.

According to Islamic accounts, God intervened at the last moment and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.

The holiday underscores themes of submission to God, sacrifice, charity, and community.

The festival follows directly after the Hajj pilgrimage, which drew over 1.5 million international pilgrims to Mecca this year.

Hajj rituals began on May 25 with the gathering in Mina, reached their spiritual peak on the Day of Arafah at the plain of Arafat, and continue with symbolic stoning of the Jamarat pillars and other rites.

Eid al-Adha marks the end of the main pilgrimage activities for those performing Hajj.

On the morning of Eid, Muslims perform a special congregational prayer, often held in mosques, large open fields, or community centers.

Following the prayer, those who can afford it carry out the ritual sacrifice, known as Qurbani or Udhiyah.

Animals such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels are slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.

The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.

This practice emphasizes sharing and supporting those less fortunate.

Families gather for festive meals, often featuring dishes prepared with the fresh sacrificial meat.

Traditional foods vary by region: biryani, kebabs, and qorma in South Asia; elaborate grilled meats and stews in the Middle East; and community potlucks in Western countries.

Many Muslims wear new or their best clothes, exchange gifts known as Eidi, particularly with children, and visit relatives.

Charity distributions, both of meat and money, form a central part of the observance.

Public holidays have been declared in numerous Muslim-majority countries to accommodate the celebrations. In Nigeria, for example, the government announced May 27 and 28 as public holidays.

Similar announcements have come from authorities in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other nations.

In non-Muslim countries, Muslim communities organize large-scale prayers and events, with some employers offering accommodations for employees observing the holiday.

The exact start can differ slightly by location due to variations in moon sighting.

While Saudi Arabia's confirmation sets the standard for many, some communities in parts of East Asia or Oceania may observe it a day later.

Astronomical calculations had pointed to May 27 well in advance, with the new moon occurring around May 16.

Eid al-Adha remains one of the two major annual Islamic festivals, alongside Eid al-Fitr. It draws families together and serves as a time for reflection on faith, obedience, and generosity.

As prayers and sacrifices take place on May 27, the shared rituals connect Muslims from diverse cultures in a common expression of devotion.