Eid Al Adha 2026: Tunisia and Turkey Announce First Day of Dhu Al Hijjah

Tunisia and Turkey have officially announced that Monday, May 18, 2026, will mark the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, making Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the first day of Eid Al Adha in both countries.

The announcements provide one of the earliest official confirmations of the Eid Al Adha holiday and help Muslims prepare for one of the most significant religious celebrations in the Islamic calendar.

Tunisia First to Confirm Dhu Al Hijjah 1447

Tunisia became the first country to officially declare the beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah after confirming that Saturday, May 16, was the 29th day of Dhu Al Qadah.

Based on the lunar calendar, Tunisian authorities announced that Dhu Al Hijjah would begin on Monday, May 18, and Eid Al Adha would be observed on Wednesday, May 27.

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command.

Turkey Follows Astronomical Calendar

Turkey also confirmed Monday, May 18, as the start of Dhu Al Hijjah and May 27 as Eid Al Adha.

Unlike many Muslim countries that rely on official moon sightings, Turkey uses a pre-calculated Islamic calendar based on astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of Islamic months.

This method allows Turkish authorities to announce religious dates well in advance.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Other Countries Await Moon Sighting

Most other Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Oman, are scheduled to observe the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent on Sunday, May 17.

Religious authorities in those countries are expected to announce the official start of the month after sunset, which will determine the date for the Day of Arafah and Eid Al Adha.

If the moon is sighted on Sunday evening, Dhu Al Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18, and Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27.

Significance of Eid Al Adha

Eid Al Adha is one of the two major Islamic festivals and is observed by Muslims worldwide with special prayers, animal sacrifice, and charitable distribution of meat to family members and those in need.

The holiday coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, where millions of Muslims gather to perform the sacred rites.

The Day of Arafah, considered one of the holiest days in Islam, will fall on Tuesday, May 26, if the current calendar projections are confirmed.

Muslims Worldwide Prepare for Celebrations

With Tunisia and Turkey announcing the dates, Muslim communities around the world are awaiting official confirmations from their national moon-sighting committees.

Eid Al Adha is expected to be observed in many countries on May 27, subject to local lunar observations and official declarations by religious authorities.

Courtesy: gulfnews