Eid al-Adha, one of the two major holidays in Islam, is only days away, with millions of Muslims around the world preparing to mark the Festival of Sacrifice at the end of May 2026. The holiday’s timing changes each year because it follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and the exact date is determined by moon sighting. Many Muslims also look to official announcements from Muslim-majority countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates when confirming the start of the celebration.
In 2026, Eid al-Adha falls on Wednesday, May 27, according to local reports from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In some countries, the holiday is observed for several days rather than a single day, allowing extended family gatherings, prayers, meals and charitable giving.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds deep religious significance in Islam. It commemorates the story of Prophet Abraham, who, according to Islamic tradition, was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael after receiving a divine command in a dream. The Quran says God intervened before the sacrifice was carried out and provided a ram to be offered instead. The holiday is a reminder of faith, obedience and devotion.
The celebration takes place during Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This period is also associated with Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to complete once in their lifetime. Eid al-Adha marks the conclusion of that sacred pilgrimage season.
Eid al-Adha is one of two Eid holidays in Islam. The other is Eid al-Fitr, which comes at the end of Ramadan and celebrates the breaking of the fast. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a month, focusing on prayer, reflection, discipline and charity. Eid al-Fitr provides a joyful close to that period of worship.
Although both holidays are called Eid, they serve different spiritual purposes and occur at different times in the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr is linked to the completion of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha is tied to Abraham’s sacrifice and the Hajj pilgrimage season.
For many families, Eid al-Adha is a time of prayer, communal meals, giving to those in need and spending time with loved ones. Traditions can vary by country and culture, but the holiday is widely recognized as one of the most important observances in the Islamic faith.
