The start of DzulHijjah 1447 H has been set for Monday, May 18, 2026. The decision was taken according to the Unified Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT) developed by Muhammadiyah.
The determination of the first day of DzulHijjah carries both religious and sozial importance for Muslims worldwide. The month marks the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage rites, including the standing at Arafah, the Day of Arafah Fast, and the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
As a result, establishing the precise start date is considered essential not only for ritual observance but also for fostering unity among Muslim communities.
Astronomical Calculations Guide the Decision
The KHGT sets 1 DzulHijjah 1447 H on Monday, corresponding to May 18, 2026. This conclusion is based on astronomical calculations (hisab) using globally standardized parameters designed to ensure consistency across regions.
The conjunction (ijtima’) preceding the month occurred on Saturday. May 16, 2026, at 20:01:02 UTC. This event marks the moment when the Sun and Moon share the same ecliptic longitude, signaling the astronomical start of a new lunar cycle.
However, visibility criteria were not met at sunset on that day. No location on Earth satisfied the first Global Calendar Parameter, which requires a minimum lunar altitude of 5 degrees and an elongation of at least 8 degrees.
Consequently, the new month could not begin the following day under this standard.
Visibility Thresholds Not Met across Regions
Further analysis showed that the second Global Calendar Parameter also remained unmet. After 24:00 UTC, no region in the Americas fulfilled the required conditions: sufficient lunar altitude and elongation, along with the conjunction occurring before dawn in New Zealand.
Because neither condition was satisfied, Sunday, May 17, 2026 was ruled out as the first day of DzulHijjah. Thus the calendar advances the start of the month to Monday, May 18, 2026.
Based on the determination, the Day of Arafah (9 DzulHijjah) will fall on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Eid al Adha, observed on 10 DzulHijjah, will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
