Every year, millions of Muslims around the world unite to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice.” It is a time of deep spiritual reflection, communal prayer, and acts of immense charity. But because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the dates shift every year.

If you are looking ahead to plan your time off, your Qurban (Udhiyah), or perhaps even the journey of a lifetime, Hajj, you are likely wondering: When is Eid al-Adha 2026?

In this comprehensive guide by OnePath Network, we break down the expected dates for Eid al-Adha 2026, the profound history behind it, and actionable ways you can prepare your heart and home for the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah.

Expected Dates for Eid al-Adha 2026

Eid al-Adha always falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

For the year 2026 (which corresponds to the Islamic year 1447 AH), Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the primary day of Eid falling on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

(Note: Islamic holidays begin at sunset of the previous day.)

How Is the Date Determined?

The Islamic calendar is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. This is why Eid shifts earlier each year.

However, the exact date of Eid al-Adha is officially confirmed closer to the time. It relies on the physical sighting of the new moon of Dhul Hijjah. Depending on your location and whether your local community follows local moon sightings or the official announcements from Saudi Arabia, there may be a one-day difference in when you celebrate.

What is Eid al-Adha? The Festival of Sacrifice

Eid al-Adha is the second of the two major holidays in Islam (the first being Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan). While Eid al-Fitr is about breaking the month-long fast, Eid al-Adha commemorates ultimate submission to Allah (SWT).The Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

To truly understand Eid al-Adha, we must look to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him. Allah (SWT) tested Ibrahim (AS) with a monumental command: to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS).

Without hesitation, both father and son submitted to the will of Allah. Just as Ibrahim (AS) was about to carry out the command, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, sparing his life.

This breathtaking display of unwavering faith and reliance on God (Tawakkul) is what Muslims honour during Eid al-Adha. We do not sacrifice animals just for the sake of it; we do it to symbolise our willingness to give up our worldly attachments for the sake of our Creator.“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.” — (Quran 22:37)

Eid al-Adha is intrinsically linked to Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, obligatory for every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim at least once in their lifetime.

While millions of pilgrims will be standing on the plains of Mount Arafah on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (seeking forgiveness in the most powerful gathering on Earth), the rest of the global Muslim ummah fasts. The following day, the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrims perform their sacrifice, and Muslims worldwide join them in celebrating Eid al-Adha.

For those planning to perform Hajj in 2026, the pilgrimage rites will take place from approximately Sunday, May 24, to Friday, May 29, 2026.

How Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha?

The celebration of Eid is joyous, communal, and deeply spiritual. Here is how Muslims typically observe the day:

1. The Sunnahs of Eid Morning

Muslims wake up early to perform Ghusl (ritual purification), wear their best or new clothes, and apply perfume (for men). Unlike Eid al-Fitr, it is a Sunnah (prophetic tradition) to delay eating until after the Eid prayer, ideally breaking the fast with the meat from one’s own sacrifice.

2. The Eid Prayer and Khutbah

Communities gather in large congregations, often in open fields or large mosques, to perform the Eid prayer. The air is filled with the Takbeerat (declarations of Allah’s greatness):

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil Hamd.”

3. Performing Qurban (Udhiyah)

Following the prayer, the Qurban is performed. An eligible animal (such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel) is sacrificed humanely in accordance with Islamic guidelines. The meat is then divided into three equal parts:

  • One-third for the family.
  • One-third for friends, relatives, and neighbours.
  • One-third strictly for the poor and needy.

This ensures that on the day of Eid, no one goes hungry.

How to Prepare for Dhul Hijjah 1447

You don’t have to wait until Eid day to reap the spiritual benefits. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the sheer magnificence of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah:

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” — (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Here is how you can maximise this sacred time leading up to Eid al-Adha 2026:

  • Fast on the Day of Arafah: Fasting on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (expected May 26, 2026) expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
  • Increase your Dhikr: Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah, particularly the Takbeer, Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and Tahlil (La ilaha illallah).
  • Give Charity: Automate your donations over the first ten days so you don’t miss out on the multiplied rewards.
  • Read the Quran: Set a daily goal to reconnect with the Book of Allah.

Eid al-Adha is much more than a festival; it is an annual reset for the Muslim soul. It reminds us of the profound sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and challenges us to assess what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of Allah today.

As we look toward Eid al-Adha 2026 (expected May 27, 2026), let us use this time to plan our Qurban, prepare our hearts for the best ten days of the year, and strengthen our ties with our community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How many days is Eid al-Adha?

    Eid al-Adha officially lasts for one day (the 10th of Dhul Hijjah), but it is immediately followed by the three Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah). During these days, fasting is prohibited, and the celebration, eating, and praising of Allah continue.

  2. Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday?

    In Muslim-majority countries, Eid al-Adha is a multi-day public holiday. In Western countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, it is not a national public holiday, but many workplaces and schools offer religious accommodations or floating holidays for Muslims.

  3. What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

    Eid al-Fitr takes place at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan (1st of Shawwal). Eid al-Adha takes place during the month of Hajj (10th of Dhul Hijjah) and involves the Qurban sacrifice. Eid al-Adha is traditionally considered the “Greater Eid.”