Saudi Arabia Sets Eid al-Adha for 27 May 2026; When in Indonesia?

The Saudi Arabian government has officially decreed that the Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah holiday will fall on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced on Monday, 18 May 2026, that the beginning of the month of Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah would be 18 May 2026.

“Hajj pilgrims will perform the Wuquf at Arafat on Tuesday, 26 May, coinciding with 9 Zulhijah, while Eid al-Adha will begin the following day on Wednesday, 27 May,” reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), as cited by Al Arabiya.

The Day of Arafat represents the pinnacle of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, where millions of Muslims gather at the Plain of Arafat near the city of Makkah to pray and supplicate. Meanwhile, Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant holidays in Islam, commemorating the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah, before the son was replaced by a ram.

Eid al-Adha celebrations are typically marked by congregational prayers, family gatherings, and the ritual slaughter of sacrificial animals, which are then distributed to relatives and those in need. This announcement comes as Saudi Arabia finalises preparations for the 2026 Hajj season, with local authorities implementing operational plans to manage the movement of millions of pilgrims from various countries.

Regarding the schedule in Indonesia, the determination in Saudi Arabia aligns with the results of the Indonesian government’s ‘isbat’ session. The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs previously established that 1 Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah falls on Monday, 18 May 2026, and that Eid al-Adha will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, stated that the decision was based on astronomical calculations (hisab) and reports of the crescent moon sighting (rukyatul hilal). “Based on the results of the hisab and the availability of hilal reports, it has been agreed that 1 Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah falls on Monday, 18 May 2026. Consequently, Eid al-Adha on 10 Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah falls on Wednesday, 27 May 2026,” said Nasaruddin Umar.