Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, and Pakistan are monitoring the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon to determine the date of Eid al-Adha.
The timing of the holiday depends on the first sighting of the new moon, which dictates the start of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact date of the celebration varies annually and requires confirmation from official sighting committees.
Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said the observations were covered during a live broadcast. These efforts are coordinated across multiple regions, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Pakistan [1]. Additional observations were also reported from Morocco [2].
If the crescent moon is successfully sighted, Eid al-Adha 2026 will be observed on May 26, 2026 [3]. The sighting process involves both traditional visual observation and astronomical data to ensure consensus among the participating nations.
Coordination between these countries is essential to minimize discrepancies in the holiday start date. While some reports have focused on different lunar events, current efforts are centered on the Dhul-Hijjah moon to finalize the schedule for the Feast of the Sacrifice [3].
“Eid al-Adha 2026 will be observed on May 26, 2026 if the moon is sighted.”
The reliance on moon sightings for Eid al-Adha highlights the intersection of astronomical science and religious tradition. Because different regions may report sightings at different times, the coordination between Saudi Arabia and other major Muslim populations in Asia and Africa is critical for global synchronization of the holiday.
