By Wellington Jopelo
Saudi Arabian authorities have declared Tuesday, May 26, 2026, as the Day of Arafat and Wednesday, May 27, as Eid al-Adha celebrations after confirming the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon.
The announcement followed an official declaration by the Saudi Supreme Court, which confirmed that Sunday evening’s moon sighting marked the beginning of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, the final and most sacred month in the Islamic calendar.
Based on the new Islamic calendar dates, Monday, May 18, became the first day of Dhul Hijjah, paving the way for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to begin final preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah.
The Day of Arafat, regarded as the spiritual peak of Hajj, will now be observed on Tuesday, May 26, when millions of Muslim pilgrims are expected to gather at Mount Arafat for prayers and supplication before the Eid celebrations begin the next day.
Saudi officials also extended prayers for King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, praising efforts made by the kingdom toward hosting and protecting pilgrims arriving from different parts of the world.
In Nigeria, Islamic leaders also confirmed the commencement of Dhul Hijjah on May 18, effectively aligning the country’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations with Saudi Arabia’s timetable.
The declaration has now set the stage for one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world as Muslims across different countries begin preparations for prayers, sacrifices and other activities associated with Eid al-Adha.