Aïd al-Idha Celebrations: A Tale of Two Dates

As the majority of Arab and Muslim countries celebrate Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, several states will observe the religious holiday on Thursday, May 28, due to differences in observing the lunar crescent and methods used to determine the start of the month of Dhul Hijja.

Countries that have officially announced the celebration of Eid al-Adha on Thursday include India, Bangladesh, Brunei, and South Africa, according to regional media reports and announcements from local religious authorities.

In India, where religious dates are determined by the Crescent Observation Committees (Ruet-e-Hilal), the festival of sacrifice will be celebrated on Thursday in most states. Some local authorities have also adapted official calendars and public holidays accordingly.

Brunei has officially confirmed that Eid al-Adha will fall on May 28, following the announcement of the start of Dhul Hijja a day later than in several Gulf countries.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Tunisia, Morocco, and the majority of Arab countries celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27, in accordance with announcements from religious authorities and the observation of the lunar crescent on May 17.

These date differences are common in the Muslim world and are explained by the diversity of astronomical calculation methods and visual observation criteria of the lunar crescent used by national religious authorities.

Key Takeaways:

• India, Bangladesh, Brunei, and South Africa will celebrate Eid al-Adha on Thursday, May 28.
• Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Tunisia, Morocco, and most Arab countries celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27.
• Date differences are due to variations in observing the lunar crescent and methods used to determine the start of Dhul Hijja.