India, Bangladesh, Brunei and South Africa have announced that Eid al-Adha will be observed on Thursday, a day later than most Arab and Islamic countries, following differing moon-sighting determinations for the beginning of Dhul Hijjah.
Religious authorities in the four countries confirmed that the first day of Dhul Hijjah for 2026 began on Tuesday, May 19. Based on this calculation, the Day of Arafat will fall on Wednesday, May 27, while Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on Thursday, May 28.
The variation is linked to longstanding differences in moon-sighting methodologies adopted by Islamic nations. Countries rely on a combination of local moon sightings, astronomical calculations, and geographical visibility conditions to determine the start of lunar months, often resulting in a one-day difference for major Islamic events.
Meanwhile, the International Astronomical Center stated that more than 28 Arab and Islamic countries aligned their moon-sighting decisions with Saudi Arabia, where Eid Al Adha will be observed on Wednesday, May 27.
Countries following Saudi Arabia’s announcement include the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan and Malaysia, along with Muslim communities in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Astronomers note that such differences occur regularly due to varying geographical conditions and the differing approaches countries adopt regarding traditional moon sightings and astronomical calculations.
