When Is Eid al-Adha 2026? Tuesday, May 27 — How to Prepare

Eid al-Adha is one of the two major holidays in Islam, celebrated by Muslims around the world at the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is a day of prayer, sacrifice, gratitude, and gathering with family.

This guide covers the expected date for 2026, what Eid al-Adha means, what happens on the day, and how to prepare – including the significance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah and the Day of Arafah.

When is Eid al-Adha 2026?

Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, corresponding to the 10th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. The celebration lasts for three days: May 27, 28, and 29.

Important: The exact date depends on the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah. The Islamic calendar is lunar, so dates shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each Gregorian year. The date above is based on astronomical calculations and may vary by one day depending on your local moon sighting authority.

Year	Expected Date	Hijri Year
2026	Wednesday, May 27	10 Dhul Hijjah 1447
2027	Sunday, May 16 (estimated)	10 Dhul Hijjah 1448
2028	Friday, May 5 (estimated)	10 Dhul Hijjah 1449

What is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha, often called the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah. When Ibrahim (AS) demonstrated his complete submission, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram.

"And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice."
— Surah as-Saffat, 37:107

This act of devotion is remembered every year through the Qurbani sacrifice, which takes place during the days of Eid al-Adha. The meat from the sacrifice is shared with family, neighbors, and those in need.

Eid al-Adha also coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. While millions of pilgrims perform the sacred rituals at the holy sites, Muslims around the world observe Eid by offering Qurbani, attending the Eid prayer, and celebrating with family.

To understand the full meaning and practice of Qurbani, see: What Is Qurbani? Meaning, Rules, and How to Give.

Why does the date of Eid al-Adha change every year?

The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, with each month beginning at the sighting of the new moon. A lunar year is approximately 354 days – about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian (solar) year.

This means that Islamic holidays shift earlier by roughly 10-11 days each year on the Gregorian calendar. Over time, Eid al-Adha moves through all four seasons. In 2026 it falls in late May; by the 2030s, it will fall in the winter months.

The exact date each year is confirmed by regional moon sighting authorities. In the United States, many communities follow the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) or their local mosque's announcement.

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the most blessed days of the entire year. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."
— Sahih al-Bukhari

Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship during this period through:

• Fasting – particularly on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Arafah). Fasting on this day is strongly recommended for those not performing Hajj.
• Dhikr and takbirat – the takbirat of Eid ("Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd") are recited from the 9th of Dhul Hijjah after every obligatory prayer until the 13th.
• Charity and good deeds – any act of worship is magnified during these days, including giving charity, reading Quran, and making du'a.
• Preparing for Qurbani – those who intend to sacrifice should avoid cutting their hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice is completed.

The Day of Arafah

The 9th of Dhul Hijjah – the day before Eid al-Adha – is known as the Day of Arafah. In 2026, this is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26.

For those performing Hajj, standing at the plain of Arafah is the most important pillar of the pilgrimage. For those not on Hajj, fasting on this day is one of the most virtuous acts of the year:

"Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year."
— Sahih Muslim

The Day of Arafah is also a day of du'a. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"The best du'a is the du'a on the Day of Arafah."
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi

What happens on the day of Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha has a specific order of events that Muslims follow:

• Ghusl and getting dressed – it is Sunnah to bathe, wear your best clothes, and apply perfume before heading to the prayer.
• Eid prayer – the Eid al-Adha prayer is performed in congregation, typically in the morning. Unlike Eid al-Fitr, it is Sunnah not to eat before the Eid al-Adha prayer – the first food eaten should be from the meat of the sacrifice.
• Takbirat – the takbirat are recited on the way to the prayer and continue after each obligatory prayer through the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
• Qurbani – the sacrifice takes place after the Eid prayer. Meat is distributed to family, neighbors, and those in need.
• Visiting family and giving gifts – Eid is a time of celebration, generosity, and community. Visiting relatives, sharing meals, and giving gifts (especially to children) are all part of the tradition.

For the rules of the sacrifice itself, see: Qurbani Rules: Who Has to Give, When, and How.

Eid al-Adha vs Eid al-Fitr: what's the difference?

Islam has two major Eids, and they mark different occasions:

	Eid al-Adha	Eid al-Fitr
Marks	Sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS)	End of Ramadan fasting
Duration	3 days (10th–12th Dhul Hijjah)	1–3 days (varies by country)
Key act	Qurbani (animal sacrifice)	Zakat al-Fitr (charity before prayer)
Eating before prayer?	No – eat after the sacrifice (Sunnah)	Yes – eat something sweet before prayer (Sunnah)

Both Eids share the Eid prayer, the takbirat, wearing new clothes, visiting family, and giving gifts. But the distinguishing feature of Eid al-Adha is the Qurbani sacrifice, while Eid al-Fitr is defined by the Zakat al-Fitr given before the prayer.

How to prepare for Eid al-Adha 2026

A simple checklist for the days leading up to Eid:

• 1st of Dhul Hijjah (~May 18): Begin the first ten days of worship. If you intend to give Qurbani, stop cutting your hair and nails.
• Early Dhul Hijjah: If donating Qurbani through a charity, submit your donation early to ensure it's processed on time.
• 9th of Dhul Hijjah (~May 26): Fast on the Day of Arafah. Make du'a throughout the day.
• 10th of Dhul Hijjah (~May 27): Eid al-Adha. Attend the Eid prayer. Perform or arrange Qurbani. Share the meat. Visit family.
• 11th–12th of Dhul Hijjah: Continue the celebration. Distribute any remaining meat. Continue the takbirat after each prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Eid al-Adha 2026?

Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). The exact date depends on the moon sighting in your region.

How long does Eid al-Adha last?

Eid al-Adha lasts for three days: the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. The Qurbani sacrifice can be performed on any of these three days after the Eid prayer.

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

Eid al-Adha marks the end of Hajj and is celebrated with the Qurbani sacrifice. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan fasting and is celebrated with Zakat al-Fitr. Both include the Eid prayer, visiting family, and giving gifts.

Should I fast on the Day of Arafah?

If you are not performing Hajj, fasting on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Arafah) is strongly recommended. The Prophet (ﷺ) said it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.

Why does the date of Eid al-Adha change every year?

The Islamic calendar is lunar, based on moon sightings. A lunar year is about 11 days shorter than a solar year, so Islamic holidays shift earlier on the Gregorian calendar each year.

Disclaimer: Dates are based on astronomical calculations and may vary by 1 day depending on local moon sighting. For confirmed dates, follow your local Islamic authority.