Dar Al-Ifta has officially confirmed the dates for Eid Al-Adha after the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.
The announcement was made on 18 May. Religious authorities said the first day of Dhul-Hijjah for the Hijri year 1446 AH would begin on Monday, 18 May.
As a result, the Day of Arafat will fall on Tuesday, 26 May, while Eid Al-Adha will begin on Wednesday, 27 May.
Eid Al-Adha is one of the most important Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. The festival lasts for four days in many countries, including Egypt.
The holiday is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. It honors the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
The occasion also takes place during the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able.
Dar Al-Ifta said its decision followed moon sighting observations carried out by religious scholars and scientific committees on Sunday evening.
The authority explained that the moon was sighted according to Islamic and scientific procedures used to confirm the start of the new lunar month.
Saudi Arabia also announced the same Eid Al-Adha date earlier. Several other countries later confirmed matching schedules for the Islamic holiday.
Among the countries reporting the same dates were United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Turkey, Malaysia, Oman, and Indonesia.
The Day of Arafat, which comes before Eid Al-Adha, is considered one of the holiest days in Islam. Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat during Hajj for prayers and reflection.
Muslims around the world often observe the day with fasting, worship, and charity.
Eid Al-Adha celebrations usually include special prayers, family gatherings, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock such as sheep, goats, or cows. The meat is commonly shared with relatives, neighbors, and people in need.
Authorities in many Muslim-majority countries are expected to announce public holiday schedules linked to Eid Al-Adha in the coming days.
The holiday period is often one of the busiest travel seasons in the Islamic world. Millions of people travel to visit relatives or take part in celebrations.
Markets and businesses in Egypt are also preparing for increased shopping activity before the holiday. Families often buy food, clothing, and animals for sacrifice ahead of Eid.
Religious scholars say the moon sighting tradition remains an important part of Islamic practice. Different countries sometimes announce different dates because moon visibility can vary by region.
This year, however, several nations reported matching observations, leading to a shared holiday schedule across many parts of the Muslim world.
The latest announcement has allowed Muslims in Egypt and other countries to begin final preparations for the important religious occasion.
