RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday announced the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon, confirming that Eid ul Adha will be observed on May 27, according to official announcements reported by state media.
As per the declaration, the Day of Arafat will fall on May 26, while Eid ul Adha—one of the most significant religious festivals in the Islamic calendar—will be celebrated on May 27 in these countries.
The announcement marks the beginning of the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which millions of Muslims from across the world travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars.
The Hajj pilgrimage, held annually in and around Makkah, involves a series of religious rituals conducted over several days. Pilgrims first perform Tawaf, circling the Holy Kaaba seven times upon arrival in Makkah, before proceeding to Mina, a valley near the holy city, where they spend the night in designated tents.
The pilgrimage continues with key rites including gatherings at Arafat, symbolic rituals, and acts of worship that conclude with Eid ul Adha celebrations.
Eid ul Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” commemorates the Quranic account of Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, a test of faith that was ultimately replaced with a ram.
The occasion is observed globally with special congregational prayers, family gatherings, and charitable distribution of meat from sacrificed livestock among relatives, friends, and underprivileged communities.
Authorities in the respective countries are expected to finalize Hajj logistics and crowd management arrangements as millions of pilgrims prepare for the annual gathering in Makkah.