Eid al-Adha 2026 will begin on Wednesday, May 27, and end on Saturday, May 30. The day before Eid falls on Tuesday, May 26. The holiday, which coincides with the 10th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, will be observed during the last week of May this year.
2026 Eid al-Adha Calendar
The holiday lasts four days; the afternoon of the day before the holiday is considered a half-day official holiday. The dates for 2026 are as follows:
- Eve of the Holiday: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (half-day)
- Day 1 of the Holiday: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- Day 2 of the Holiday: Thursday, May 28, 2026
- Day 3 of the Holiday: Friday, May 29, 2026
- Day 4 of the Holiday: Saturday, May 30, 2026
How Many Days Is the Eid al-Adha Holiday?
The official holiday period lasts a total of 4.5 days, starting from the afternoon of the day before the holiday. Since the first day of the holiday falls in the middle of the week (Wednesday), if Monday, May 25, and the morning of Tuesday, May 26, are designated as administrative leave, the holiday could extend to as many as 9 days when combined with the preceding weekend. The final decision on this matter is announced by official authorities close to the holiday.
When Does the Time for Sacrificial Slaughter Begin and End?
According to classical Hanafi fiqh sources, the time for sacrificing animals is the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, as well as the 11th and 12th nights. The sacrifice begins after the Eid prayer on the first day of Eid and ends before sunset on the third day of Eid. For the year 2026, this period begins after the prayer on Wednesday, May 27, and ends on the evening of Friday, May 29.
It is recommended that those who plan to have an animal sacrificed on their behalf submit their authorization forms before the holiday, for organizational planning purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time will the Eid prayer be held?
The Eid prayer is performed at a time that begins approximately 45 minutes after sunrise, and this time varies by city. The exact prayer times by province for the morning of May 27, 2026, are announced by the relevant authorities approximately one week before Eid.
Who is required to perform the sacrifice?
The sacrifice is obligatory for Muslim men and women who are of sound mind, free, resident (not traveling), and possess sufficient wealth to be required to pay the fitrah. This ruling applies to those who possess 80.14 grams of gold or an equivalent amount of other assets, after deducting their basic and essential needs (such as a home, household goods, a means of transportation, three sets of clothing, and one year’s worth of sustenance) and any debts. Even if the value of the sacrifice is given as charity instead of performing the sacrifice within the prescribed time, the act of worship is not considered fulfilled.
Which animals are sacrificed?
Animals eligible for sacrifice include sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo (câmûs), and camels. Sheep and goats must be at least one year old, cattle and buffalo at least two years old, and camels at least five years old. If a lamb is large and cannot be distinguished from a one-year-old sheep, it is sufficient for it to have reached six months of age. Up to seven people may share in the sacrifice of a cow, buffalo, or camel; however, sheep and goats do not accept shares and may only be sacrificed in the name of a single person.
How do you grant a proxy for the sacrifice?
A proxy for the sacrifice may be granted verbally, in writing, by telephone, or online. When a proxy is granted online through an organization, the proxy is considered to have been transferred to the organization from the moment the donation is made. It is essential that the proxy be granted before the time of the sacrifice.
How is sacrificial meat distributed?
According to classical sources of Islamic jurisprudence, it is considered recommended to divide the sacrificial meat into three parts: one-third is given as charity, one-third is given as gifts to relatives and friends, and one-third is provided to family members whose maintenance is the responsibility of the person performing the sacrifice. It is also permissible to give away a portion of the sacrificial meat as a gift or to donate the entire amount. If the person performing the sacrifice is in need, it is considered more virtuous and recommended to feed the sacrifice to his household.
