Calculations from Arab astronomical websites revealed the expected dates for the Arafat Pause and Eid al-Adha for the year 2026.
The site reported Arab weather According to astronomical calculations, the central conjunction (the new moon) will occur on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:01 pm Saudi time, that is, one day before the crescent sighting date.
During the investigation day, corresponding to Sunday, May 17, 2026, astronomical data indicate that the sun sets in Riyadh at 6:30 pm, while the moon sets at 7:29 pm, which means that it will remain on the horizon for approximately 59 minutes, with the crescent’s age reaching about 19 hours and 29 minutes. These are indicators that are astronomically supportive of the possibility of seeing it in the event of clear weather conditions.
Astronomical estimates suggest that Monday, May 18, 2026 will be the first day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH, provided that this will be officially confirmed by the competent legal authorities in Islamic countries after the sighting of the crescent moon is confirmed.
Based on these data, it is expected that Tuesday, May 26, 2026, will fall on the day of standing at Arafat, which is the greatest day of the Hajj and its most important spiritual stations.
It is expected that Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (Dhu al-Hijjah 10, 1447 AH) will be the first day of Eid al-Adha in most Islamic countries.
These dates remain astronomical estimates that are subject to change, as it ultimately depends on the confirmation of the sighting of the crescent of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah according to the legal standards adopted in each country.
