Saudi Arabia Fixes May 26 for Arafat, Declares May 27 Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

By Ranti Thomas

Saudi Arabia has officially announced Tuesday, May 26, 2026, as the Day of Arafat and Wednesday, May 27, as Eid al-Adha, following the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon.

The announcement was made by the Saudi Supreme Court after authorities confirmed the beginning of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, marking the start of one of the holiest periods in the Islamic calendar and preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

According to the court, Monday, May 18, was declared the first day of Dhul Hijjah after testimonies from moon-sighting observers were reviewed and accepted by the Crescent Sighting Department.

With the declaration, pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj will observe the symbolic standing at Mount Arafat on Tuesday, May 26, before Muslims across the world celebrate Eid al-Adha the following day.

The Saudi authorities also offered prayers for King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support and services toward pilgrims visiting the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.

In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also confirmed Monday, May 18, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah, aligning Nigeria’s Islamic calendar with Saudi Arabia’s announcement.

The development has officially set the countdown for millions of Muslims worldwide preparing for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, prayers, sacrifices and the completion of Hajj rites later this month.

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