Indonesia and Malaysia officially announced that Monday, May 18, 2026, will mark the beginning of Dhu Al-Hijjah 1447 AH, confirming that Muslims in both countries will celebrate Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27.
Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama quoted a senior official responsible for crescent moon observations and religious affairs as confirming the date following the country’s official moon-sighting procedures.
In Indonesia, state media reported that the Ministry of Religious Affairs approved the start of Dhu Al-Hijjah after reviewing crescent moon observations alongside astronomical and Sharia-based assessments, officially setting May 18 as the first day of the Islamic month.
The announcements from the two Southeast Asian nations have shifted attention toward the Gulf region, where Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have yet to issue their official decisions regarding the sighting of the Dhu Al-Hijjah crescent.
Saudi Arabia’s announcement is considered particularly significant across the Muslim world because it determines the dates of the annual Hajj pilgrimage as well as the Day of Arafat, both of which directly influence the timing of Eid Al-Adha celebrations in many countries.
Religious authorities and astronomical observatories across the region are closely monitoring crescent visibility as preparations intensify for one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar.
Astronomical estimates circulating in the Gulf suggest a strong possibility of alignment between scientific calculations and physical moon sightings this year, potentially leading to unified observance dates across much of the Islamic world.
Saudi authorities are expected to announce the official start of Dhu Al-Hijjah after sunset observations conducted by specialized committees tasked with confirming the visibility of the crescent moon.
The UAE is also expected to issue its official statement shortly after moon-sighting committees complete their observations and consultations with religious authorities.
The beginning of Dhu Al-Hijjah marks the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and includes the Hajj pilgrimage season, during which millions of Muslims travel annually to the holy sites in Mecca.
The Day of Arafat, observed on the ninth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, is regarded as the spiritual peak of the Hajj pilgrimage and is followed by Eid Al-Adha celebrations worldwide.
Several Muslim-majority countries often align their official religious calendar with Saudi Arabia’s announcement, particularly regarding Hajj-related observances, while others rely on local moon sightings and religious councils.
The expected convergence between astronomical calculations and official observations this year could help reduce the differences in Eid dates sometimes witnessed between countries and regions.
As governments and religious institutions finalize preparations for the holiday season, millions of Muslims worldwide are awaiting the official Gulf announcements that will determine the definitive dates for Hajj rituals, Arafat Day, and Eid Al-Adha celebrations.
