Muslims around the world are preparing for the official sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, which will determine when Eid al-Adha 2026 begins.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the kingdom to look for the moon on May 17, with astronomers predicting the crescent could be visible after sunset, and to report their sightings to the nearest court.
If officially sighted, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on May 18, placing Eid al-Adha on May 27 and Day of Arafah on May 26.
Communities in the UK, UAE and across the Muslim world are expected to closely follow the announcement, although some may rely on local moon sightings.
