Astronomical calculations from the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research indicate that the Day of Arafat for the year 1447 Hijri will fall on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and Eid al-Adha will be on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The crescent moon of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah is expected to be born immediately after the conjunction at 10:02 PM Cairo local time on Saturday, May 16, 2026 (the day of sighting). It is noted that the new crescent will not have been born by sunset on that day in all Arab and Islamic cities.
The old crescent moon will set before sunset on the day of sighting in Mecca by thirteen minutes, in Cairo by seven minutes, and in the rest of Egypt’s governorates by periods ranging between 5-12 minutes. In Arab and Islamic capitals and cities, the time difference will range between 1-35 minutes.
According to the astronomical calculations, Sunday, May 17, 2026, will be the completion of the month of Dhu al-Qadah 1447 Hijri, and the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 Hijri will be Monday, May 18, 2026.
The Hijri Calendar
The Hijri calendar is based on the lunar month, which represents the time it takes for the moon to complete a full cycle around the Earth. The Hijri months are: 1 Muharram – 2 Safar – 3 Rabi’ al-Awwal – 4 Rabi’ al-Thani – 5 Jumada al-Awwal – 6 Jumada al-Thani – 7 Rajab – 8 Sha’ban – 9 Ramadan – 10 Shawwal – 11 Dhu al-Qadah – 12 Dhu al-Hijjah.
The Hijri or lunar or Islamic calendar is a calendar based on the lunar cycle to determine the months and is adopted by some Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, as the official calendar of the state. It was established by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, who made the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal (September 24, 622 AD) the reference for the first year of the calendar, which is why it is called the Hijri calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Day of Arafat in 2026?
According to astronomical calculations, the Day of Arafat for the year 1447 Hijri will be on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
When is Eid al-Adha in 2026?
Astronomical calculations indicate that Eid al-Adha for the year 1447 Hijri will be on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
What is the Hijri calendar based on?
The Hijri calendar is based on the lunar month, which represents the time it takes for the moon to complete a full cycle around the Earth.
As the dates approach, will these astronomical predictions align with actual crescent moon sightings, and how might that impact the final confirmation of these important dates?
