Eid al-Adha 1447 H will fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, according to the Unified Global Hijri Calendar (Kalender Hijriah Global Tunggal/KHGT). Under the same calculation, the Day of Arafah, observed on 9 Dzulhijjah, will occur on Tuesday, May 18, 2026.
The Unified Global Hijri Calendar relies on global astronomical calculations rather than national boundaries. Specifically, it uses a set of Global Calendar Parameters designed to ensure uniformity in determining the start of lunar months across the Muslim world. As a result, the system prioritizes the global visibility of the hilal, or new crescent moon.
Astronomical Criteria Determine the Start
The conjunction (ijtimaʿ) preceding Dzulhijjah occurred on May 16, 2026, at 20:01:02 UTC. Astronomically, this marks the alignment of the Sun and Moon along the same ecliptic longitude, signaling the beginning of a new lunar cycle.
However, visibility conditions were not met at sunset on that day. No location on Earth satisfied the first PKG requirement, which calls for a minimum lunar altitude of 5 degrees and an elongation of at least 8 degrees before midnight UTC.
Moreover, the second parameter also failed to be fulfilled. After midnight UTC, no region in the Americas met the same visibility thresholds while also ensuring that the conjunction occurred before dawn in New Zealand.
Consequently, the new month could not begin on May 17. Instead, the system established May 18 as the first day of Dzulhijjah, leading to the placement of Eid al-Adha on May 27.
Religious Significance and Practical Impact
This determination provides clarity for Muslims preparing for key rituals, including the annual sacrifice and communal observances associated with Eid al-Adha. In addition, a fixed global date allows for better coordination of religious and social activities.
Eid al-Adha holds deep spiritual meaning in Islam. It commemorates devotion and sacrifice, reminding believers that material wealth serves as a means, not an end. The ritual of qurban reinforces both personal piety and social responsibility.
The Qur’an underscores this connection:
فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ
“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.” (QS. Al-Kautsar: 2)
Thus, the observance links spiritual devotion with the distribution of resources to those in need, strengthening both faith and community bonds.
