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Muslims await Dhul Hijjah moon sighting for Eid date

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Based on 9 sources

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Major Media (1)Research (8)
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32 claims

Eid al-Adha is held around the 10th to the 13th days of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

5 backing sources

Open Questions

5 questions
Will the crescent moon be officially sighted on May 17, 2026, in Saudi Arabia or other key locations?
Which countries or communities will rely on local moon sightings versus following Saudi Arabia's announcement?
What is the exact start time of Eid al-Adha (sunset on May 26 vs. sunrise on May 27) according to different Islamic authorities?
Will weather conditions in the UK and other regions permit local moon sightings on May 17?
How will the differing astronomical predictions (conjunction time, visibility regions) affect official declarations?
Date of the Astronomical New Moon (conjunction)factual

The new moon for Dhul Hijjah will be born on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at exactly 12:01 AM UAE time (May 16, 20:01 UT).

According to gulfnews.com
vs.

The Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) is on May 16, 2026 (Saturday) at 20:00 UT.

According to www.moonsighting.com

Context: A one-minute difference in conjunction time is negligible, but the date discrepancy (May 16 vs. May 17 in UAE local time) could affect expectations for moon sighting on the evening of May 17.

Moon visibility on May 17 in the Arabian Peninsulafactual

The moon may be easily seen in Northern Africa, Europe and Americas on May 17, but the Arabian Peninsula is not listed as a region of easy visibility.

According to www.moonsighting.com
vs.

Authorities in Dubai are holding a moon sighting event on May 17, implying potential visibility in the region.

According to gulfnews.com

Context: If the moon is not easily visible in the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia and UAE may not sight it, potentially delaying Eid al-Adha to May 28.

Start of Eid al-Adha (sunset vs. sunrise)factual

Eid Al Adha will begin at sunrise on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

According to gulfnews.com
vs.

Eid al-Adha 2026 is celebrated/observed on sundown of Tuesday, May 26th ending at sundown on Wednesday, May 27th.

According to www.calendardate.com

Context: Different conventions for marking the start of the Islamic day (sunset vs. sunrise) may cause confusion about when celebrations begin.

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