The date of Arafah Day and Eid al-Adha 2026 astronomically... Full details of the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH

Arab Weather - The eyes of the Islamic world are turning towards the start date of the month of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH for the year 2026 , which directly determines the date of the Day of Arafah and the blessed Eid al-Adha , amid anticipation of the announcement of the legitimate sighting of the crescent.

According to astronomical calculations, the central conjunction (new moon) will occur on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:01 PM Saudi time.

Astronomical calculations indicate that on the day of the crescent sighting, Saturday, May 16, 2026, the sun will set in Riyadh at 6:30 PM, while the moon will set at 6:17 PM, 13 minutes before sunset. Therefore, sighting the crescent will be impossible, as the moon will set before the sun, and the conjunction and new moon will not have yet occurred.

Beginning of the month of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH

Based on the above, Sunday, May 17, 2026 will be the last day of Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Monday, May 18, 2026 will be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH, according to astronomical calculations, provided that official confirmation is made through the competent Sharia authorities in Islamic countries.

Date of Arafah Day 2026

Accordingly, Tuesday, May 26, 2026 is expected to be the Day of Arafah , which is the greatest day of Hajj and its most important spiritual milestone.

First day of Eid al-Adha 2026

It is also expected that Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH) will be the first day of Eid al-Adha in most Islamic countries.

Note: These dates remain astronomically estimated and are officially adopted based on the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah.