Eid al-Adha 2026 falls on approximately Wednesday, 27 May 2026 — the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH. Also called the Feast of Sacrifice (or "Hari Raya Haji" in Southeast Asia), it commemorates the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God's command — and the divine intervention that replaced the sacrifice with a ram.
It is one of the two most important Islamic holidays alongside Eid al-Fitr, and a public holiday in 50+ Muslim-majority countries. For broader Islamic calendar context, see /islamic-calendar.
Quick reference: Eid al-Adha 2026
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Hijri date | 10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH |
| Saudi Arabia | Wed, 27 May 2026 |
| UAE, Qatar, Egypt | Wed-Thu, 27-28 May 2026 |
| Indonesia, Malaysia | Wed-Thu, 27-28 May 2026 |
| Iran | Thu, 28 May 2026 |
| Duration | 4 days (10-13 Dhu al-Hijjah) |
| Next year | ~17 May 2027 (Eid al-Adha 1448) |
Why does Eid al-Adha shift each year?
The Islamic calendar is purely lunar — 354 days per year, 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. So Eid al-Adha (always 10 Dhu al-Hijjah) drifts ~11 days earlier each Gregorian year.
Recent and upcoming dates:
- 2024: 16-17 June (Saudi Arabia)
- 2025: 6-7 June
- 2026: 27-28 May
- 2027: ~17-18 May
- 2028: ~6-7 May
Over a ~33-year cycle, Eid al-Adha rotates through all seasons.
What does Eid al-Adha celebrate?
The story comes from the Quran (Surah As-Saffat 37:99-113) and is also told in Jewish and Christian scripture: God commands Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son. Ibrahim and Ismail both submit to God's will. At the last moment, God replaces Ismail with a ram, having tested Ibrahim's faith and obedience.
The act of sacrifice (qurbani) on Eid al-Adha re-enacts this moment. Muslims who can afford it sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat is divided into three parts:
- One third for the family
- One third for relatives and friends
- One third for the poor
This ritual unites Muslims globally in shared remembrance and emphasizes generosity.
Eid al-Adha and the Hajj pilgrimage
Eid al-Adha coincides with the climax of the Hajj — the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that is the fifth pillar of Islam. Each year ~2 million Muslims perform Hajj.
Key Hajj milestones around Eid al-Adha 2026:
| Date | Day | Ritual |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 24 May | 8 Dhu al-Hijjah (Tarwiyah) | Mecca → Mina; preparations |
| Mon 25 May | 9 Dhu al-Hijjah (Arafat) | Day on Mount Arafat — the central rite |
| Tue 26 May | 10 Dhu al-Hijjah | Stoning at Jamarat; Eid al-Adha begins |
| Wed-Fri 27-29 May | 11-13 Dhu al-Hijjah (Tashreeq) | More Jamarat stoning; eat sacrificed meat |
The Day of Arafat (9 Dhu al-Hijjah, 25 May 2026) is the most important day of Hajj. Muslims who are not on Hajj often fast this day — said to expiate sins of the past and coming year.
Eid al-Adha dates by country (2026)
Saudi Arabia announces dates first based on moon-sighting in Mecca. Other countries follow:
| Country | Date | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 27 May (Wed) | 4 |
| UAE | 27 May (Wed) | 4 |
| Qatar | 27 May (Wed) | 4 |
| Kuwait | 27 May (Wed) | 4 |
| Oman | 27 May (Wed) | 4 |
| Bahrain | 27 May (Wed) | 4 |
| Jordan | 27 May (Wed) | 3 |
| Egypt | 27 May (Wed) | 4 |
| Türkiye | 27 May (Wed) | 4 |
| Iran | 28 May (Thu) | 1 |
| Iraq | 27 May (Wed) | 4 |
| Indonesia | 27 May (Wed) | 1 |
| Malaysia | 27 May (Wed) | 1 |
| Pakistan | 27 May (Wed) | 3 |
| Bangladesh | 28 May (Thu) | 3 |
| Nigeria | 27 May (Wed) | 2 |
| UK, USA, France | 27 May (Wed) | observed |
Eid al-Adha traditions
The day typically begins with:
- Ghusl (ritual bathing) before sunrise
- Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) at the mosque or outdoor musalla shortly after sunrise — two rakat with extra takbirs
- Qurbani (animal sacrifice) — often done at the mosque, a designated abattoir, or for some, at home
- Family feast — typically lamb, goat, or beef dishes
- Visits and Eidi — gifts (often money) for children, visits to elder relatives
Common Eid al-Adha foods around the world:
- Saudi Arabia / Gulf — Mandi (rice with lamb), Kabsa
- Türkiye — Kavurma (slow-cooked lamb), Pilav
- Egypt — Fattah (rice with bread and meat broth)
- South Asia — Biryani, Korma, Nihari
- Indonesia / Malaysia — Rendang, Sate, Ketupat
- West Africa — Jollof rice with mutton, Suya
- Levant — Mansaf (Jordanian national dish)
Common greetings
- Arabic: عيد مبارك (Eid Mubarak — "Blessed Eid") or عيد سعيد (Eid Sa'eed — "Happy Eid")
- Turkish: Bayramınız Mübarek Olsun
- Urdu/Hindi: Eid Mubarak ho
- Indonesian/Malay: Selamat Hari Raya Haji
- Hausa: Barka da Sallah
How Eid al-Adha differs from Eid al-Fitr
| Aspect | Eid al-Fitr | Eid al-Adha |
|---|---|---|
| Hijri date | 1 Shawwal | 10 Dhu al-Hijjah |
| Commemorates | End of Ramadan fasting | Ibrahim's sacrifice |
| Hajj link | None | Climax of Hajj |
| Main ritual | Zakat al-Fitr (charity before prayer) | Qurbani (sacrifice) |
| Duration | 1-3 days | 4 days (Tashreeq) |
| Nickname | "Sweet Eid" (sweet food) | "Greater Eid" (more solemn) |
Related references
- Islamic Hijri calendar 1447–1448 AH
- Eid al-Fitr 2026 dates by country
- Ramadan 2026 — dates, fasting times
- Saudi Arabia 2026 holidays
- UAE 2026 holidays
- Indonesia 2026 holidays
- May 2026 calendar
Eid al-Adha dates depend on local moon sighting. The Saudi announcement typically arrives 1-2 days before. Verify with local mosque or religious authority for ceremonial planning.