Saudi authorities reported the sighting of the Zil Hajj crescent on Sunday, May 17, 2026 [1], confirming the date for Eid al-Adha.
This determination is critical for millions of Muslims worldwide as it establishes the timeline for the Hajj pilgrimage and the subsequent holiday. The sighting allows the Saudi government to finalize logistics for the influx of pilgrims traveling to Mecca.
The Saudi Supreme Court and the Saudi Moon-Sighting Committee managed the process to determine the start of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah [1]. Following the report on May 17 [1], officials said the date for the celebration of Eid al-Adha is May 27, 2026 [2].
This sighting occurs within the Islamic year 1447 AH [1]. While the Saudi authorities reported the sighting on Sunday, other regional reports indicated the first day of Zil Hajj would be observed on May 18 [3]. This discrepancy is common in moon-sighting processes due to varying geographic locations, and sighting criteria.
The timing of the moon sighting is the primary mechanism used to set the dates for the Hajj rituals. These rituals are a cornerstone of the faith and require precise coordination across the Kingdom's transportation and security sectors.
Because the lunar calendar shifts relative to the Gregorian calendar, the exact date of the holiday varies each year. The confirmation of May 27 [2] provides the necessary window for international travelers to coordinate their arrival in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.
“Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on May 27, 2026.”
The official confirmation of the Dhul Hijjah crescent by Saudi Arabia serves as the primary benchmark for the global Muslim community. While different countries may have slight variations in their lunar observations, the Saudi announcement typically dictates the schedule for the Hajj pilgrimage, which has massive implications for international travel and regional security operations in the Hejaz region.
