Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is the second of the two major Islamic holidays, celebrated by Muslims around the world. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ismail (peace be upon him) in obedience to Allah, and Allah's mercy in replacing Ismail with a ram.
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This guide explains when Eid al-Adha falls in 2026, what it means, and how Muslims prepare for it.
When Is Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and end on the evening of Saturday, May 30, 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact Gregorian date shifts by approximately 10–11 days earlier each year.
Key Dates for Dhul Hijjah 1447 / 2026
| Event | Islamic Date | Expected Gregorian Date |
|---|---|---|
| First day of Dhul Hijjah | 1 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| Day of Arafah | 9 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | Monday, May 25, 2026 |
| Eid al-Adha (Day 1) | 10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 |
| Days of Tashreeq | 11–13 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | May 27–29, 2026 |
Dates are estimates based on astronomical calculations and may vary by one day depending on local moon sighting.
What Is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha, meaning the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (peace be upon him) in obedience to Allah. As the act was about to be carried out, Allah intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram.
"And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice."
— Surah al-Saffat (37:107)
Eid al-Adha is a time for Muslims to remember Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering faith, reflect on the values of sacrifice and submission to Allah, and share blessings with family, neighbors, and those in need through the ritual of Qurbani (the sacrifice of an animal and distribution of its meat).
Why Does the Date of Eid al-Adha Change Every Year?
The Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar) is based on the lunar cycle, which consists of approximately 354 days—about 11 days shorter than the 365-day Gregorian solar calendar. As a result, Islamic months and holidays including Eid al-Adha move earlier by about 10–11 days each Gregorian year.
The exact start of Eid al-Adha each year also depends on the sighting of the new moon of Dhul Hijjah, which can cause the holiday to begin a day earlier or later than astronomical predictions in some regions.
The First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the most sacred days of the Islamic year. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."
— Sahih al-Bukhari
Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship and good deeds during this period. Recommended acts include:
- Fasting — especially on the Day of Arafah (the 9th day)
- Reciting takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and tahleel (La ilaha illa Allah)
- Giving charity and helping those in need
- Reading and reflecting on the Qur'an
- Performing voluntary prayers and making sincere du'a
- Repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah
The Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha. It is the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage, when pilgrims gather on the plains of Mount Arafah in prayer and supplication.
For Muslims who are not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year."
— Sahih Muslim
On this day, Muslims worldwide also engage in du'a, reflecting on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) words:
"The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah."
— Jami' at-Tirmidhi
What Happens on the Day of Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is a celebration rooted in worship, gratitude, and giving. A typical day includes:
- Ghusl (ritual bath) and wearing clean or new clothes
- Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) in congregation, usually performed in the morning at a mosque or outdoor prayer ground
- Khutbah (sermon) following the Eid prayer
- Qurbani (udhiyah) — the sacrifice of a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, with the meat distributed in three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor
- Visiting family and friends, exchanging greetings of "Eid Mubarak"
- Sharing meals and celebrating with loved ones
- Giving gifts, especially to children
- Continuing acts of charity during the three Days of Tashreeq that follow
Eid al-Adha vs. Eid al-Fitr
Muslims celebrate two major Eids each year. Though both are joyful occasions, they mark distinct events:
| Eid al-Fitr | Eid al-Adha | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Festival of Breaking the Fast | Festival of Sacrifice |
| Marks | End of Ramadan | End of Hajj pilgrimage |
| Date | 1 Shawwal | 10 Dhul Hijjah |
| Duration | 1–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Key ritual | Zakat al-Fitr | Qurbani (animal sacrifice) |
How to Prepare for Eid al-Adha 2026
Preparing for Eid al-Adha is both a spiritual and practical process. Here is a checklist to help you make the most of this blessed occasion:
- Mark the key dates (1–10 Dhul Hijjah) on your calendar
- Plan to fast the Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah)
- Increase dhikr, du'a, and Qur'an recitation during the first ten days
- Arrange your Qurbani early through a trusted organization
- Give sadaqah and support those in need
- Check the timings for your local Eid prayer
- Prepare clean or new clothes for the day of Eid
- Plan meals and visits with family and friends
- Reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and renew your intentions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon.
How long does Eid al-Adha last?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated over three to four days, beginning on 10 Dhul Hijjah and continuing through the Days of Tashreeq (11–13 Dhul Hijjah).
Who is required to give Qurbani?
Qurbani is obligatory (or strongly recommended, depending on the school of thought) for every adult Muslim who meets the nisab (minimum wealth threshold). Each eligible household typically gives one share per adult.
Can I fast on Eid al-Adha?
No. Fasting is not permitted on the day of Eid al-Adha or during the Days of Tashreeq.
What is the difference between Eid al-Adha and Hajj?
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, obligatory for Muslims who are able once in a lifetime. Eid al-Adha is the festival that marks the culmination of Hajj and is celebrated by all Muslims worldwide, whether or not they are performing Hajj.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For questions about specific rulings or personal circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.
Sources
- The Qur'an, Surah al-Saffat (37:107)
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of the Two Eids
- Sahih Muslim, Book of Fasting
- Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Book of Supplications
- Islamic Relief Worldwide — Eid al-Adha guidance
- Fiqh Council of North America — Islamic calendar announcements
