Muslim communities worldwide are gearing up for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha 2026 moon sighting, as astronomers anticipate the visibility of the Dhul Hijjah crescent in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and parts of the UK later this month.
The crescent moon, symbolizing the commencement of the Islamic month, is expected to be sighted on the evening of May 17, according to astronomers. The exact date will be confirmed based on sightings. If the crescent is observed, Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, will commence on May 18, potentially aligning Eid Al-Adha around May 27.
Eid al-Adha, a significant celebration in Islam, typically spans three days. Muslims participate in special prayers, gather with loved ones, enjoy meals together, engage in charitable acts, and often perform the traditional sacrifice of an animal, with the meat distributed to those in need.
Saudi Arabia is set to conduct the official moon sighting for Dhul Hijjah on the evening of May 17, 2026. Moon sighting committees in the Kingdom will search for the crescent shortly after sunset, with favorable viewing conditions anticipated in parts of the Middle East.
Confirmation of the crescent’s visibility would mark May 18 as the first day of Dhul Hijjah, positioning Eid Al-Adha on the 10th day of the month, likely falling on May 27. In the event of no sighting, the Islamic month of Dhul Qa’dah will complete 30 days, postponing Eid by one day.
In the UK, some Muslims follow moon sightings announced by Saudi Arabia, while others rely on local observations. Weather conditions play a role in crescent visibility in Britain, leading to variations in the start dates of Islamic months among communities.
Experts suggest that spotting the crescent moon with the naked eye in parts of the UK on May 17 may be challenging, but telescopes and clear skies could enhance visibility. Guidance on the expected sighting date is expected to be issued by mosques and Islamic organizations across Britain.
Eid dates may differ as countries and Islamic authorities utilize varying methods to determine the start of the lunar month. Some rely on physical moon sightings, while others use astronomical calculations to predict visibility, resulting in potential discrepancies in announcing the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah among countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Pakistan, Morocco, and the UK.
