Padang Naqsabandiyah Sufi Community Celebrates Eid al-Adha Today

The Naqsabandiyah Sufi community in Padang, West Sumatra, celebrated Eid al-Adha earlier than the government’s official date determined during the moon-sighting meeting. The congregation performed the Eid al-Adha prayer on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, at Musala Surau Baru in Pauh District.

“According to our calculations, Eid al-Adha falls today, as we have been counting from the start of Ramadan,” said Zahar, the Surau Baru mosque administrator in Padang on Tuesday.

He explained that the local Naqsabandiyah community has its own method for determining Eid al-Adha, including the start of Ramadan and Syawal.

He stated that differences in Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr observances, which occur annually, are normal and should not be contested, as the key for the Naqsabandiyah community is the intention and deeds performed for the Creator. “Differences are acceptable as long as the purpose remains the same,” he added.

He noted that since the mosque was established in 1910, worshippers attending Eid prayers have come not only from Pauh District and surrounding areas but also from other parts of West Sumatra.

A local Naqsabandiyah member, Juni, said they have attended Eid prayers at the mosque since childhood. Despite the discrepancy with the government’s schedule, they welcome it. “I have been brought here by my parents since childhood for Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr prayers,” they said.

The government, through the Ministry of Religion, announced that 1 Zulhijah 1446 Hijriah falls on Monday, 18 May 2026, making Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Similarly, Muhammadiyah, using the Global Unified Hijri Calendar (KHGT) method, set 1 Zulhijah on Monday, 18 May 2026. Therefore, Arafah Day (9 Zulhijah 1447) falls on Tuesday, 26 May, and Eid al-Adha (10 Zulhijah 1447) on Wednesday, 27 May.