Here’s the thing: Eid Al Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact day depends entirely on when the new moon is physically seen over Mecca.
For 2026, the astronomical calculations suggest Dhul Hijjah will begin around April 18th or 19th. That means Eid Al Adha 2026 will likely fall on Sunday, April 19th or Monday, April 20th—but don’t book your train tickets yet! (Seriously, don’t. I learned that lesson the hard way in 2026.)
Why the wobble? Because some UK mosques follow a global moon sighting, while others wait for a UK-based sighting. In 2026, if the moon is not visible over Saudi Arabia on the 29th of the previous month, Eid shifts by a day. It’s a logistical dance that makes brexit negotiations look straightforward.
What the “Big Dawg” Committee Says (and the irony)
By early 2026, major Islamic bodies like the Moon Sighting Committee UK and Green Lane Masjid will issue “tentative” dates. Take them with a grain of salt—and a side of kibbeh.
The irony? You’ll see two Facebook groups arguing about “confirmed” dates while a single cloud over Birmingham could change everything. My personal advice? Treat April 19th as your most likely candidate, but leave April 20th open for plan B.
If you’re like me and need a solid answer for your boss, just say “It’s either the 19th or 20th of April, mate. Put both in your calendar.” Beats explaining lunar months to HR.
