Eid al-Adha 2026: Nearly two billion Muslims across the globe are observing Dhul Hijjah, the final and one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. The sacred month officially began on May 18, 2026, after the waxing crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia.For many Muslims, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are filled with prayer, worship and reflection. Others are preparing for Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The month also leads to Eid al-Adha, one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide.The final month of the Islamic calendar has officially begun, bringing with it one of the most important periods in Islam. Dhul Hijjah started on May 18, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, and millions of Muslims are now preparing for Eid al-Adha celebrations later this month.You Might Also Like:When is Eid al-Adha 2026?Saudi Arabian moon spotters have confirmed that Eid al-Adha will fall on Wednesday, May 27. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, dates shift each year depending on moon sightings, as per a report by The Columbus Dispatch.Many Muslims around the world follow announcements made by moon sighting committees in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to determine the official start of the holiday.Why is Eid al-Adha important?Eid al-Adha is widely known as the Festival of Sacrifice. The holiday commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael after God appeared to him in a dream and commanded him to do so.According to the Quran, God later intervened and sent a ram to be sacrificed instead. The story remains one of the most powerful examples of devotion and faith in Islam.The celebration takes place during Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It also coincides with Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims are expected to complete if they are physically and financially able, as per a report by USA Today.In several countries, Eid al-Adha celebrations continue for multiple days as families gather for prayers, meals and religious observances.How is the Eid date confirmed?Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles. That means the exact date of Eid changes every year.Religious authorities and moon sighting committees carefully observe the moon before officially declaring the start of Dhul Hijjah and the date of Eid al-Adha.The word “Eid” means “festival” or “feast” in Arabic, according to the University of Florida.Why are there two Eid holidays in Islam?Muslims celebrate two major Eid holidays every year, but each serves a different purpose. Eid al-Fitr comes first and marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims spend the month in prayer, reflection and abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, as per a report by USA Today.Eid al-Adha arrives later in the Islamic calendar during the Hajj season. While Eid al-Fitr celebrates the completion of fasting, Eid al-Adha focuses on sacrifice, faith and obedience.As Muslims around the world prepare for Eid al-Adha 2026, the holiday once again brings together worship, tradition and remembrance during one of Islam’s most sacred months.FAQsWhen is Eid al-Adha 2026?Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.Why do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?The holiday honors Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.