The crescent moon observation that will officially confirm all Hajj 2026 dates is expected to take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Pakistan's space agency SUPARCO has predicted that the new moon of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH will be born on May 17 at 01:01 Pakistan time, with the crescent likely visible on the evening of May 17 - pointing to Dhul Hijjah 1 falling on Monday, May 18.

The Expected Timeline

Based on astronomical calculations from multiple sources, the most likely scenario is:

  • Saturday May 16 evening: Moon observation attempts in Saudi Arabia and across the Muslim world. The crescent may not be visible on this date as it sets before the sun in Makkah.
  • Sunday May 17 evening: The crescent becomes visible, confirming the start of Dhul Hijjah.
  • Monday May 18: First day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH (1st Dhul Hijjah)
  • Sunday May 25 (8th Dhul Hijjah): Pilgrims move to Mina - Hajj begins
  • Monday May 26 (9th Dhul Hijjah): Day of Arafah
  • Tuesday May 27 (10th Dhul Hijjah): Eid al-Adha
  • Wednesday-Friday May 28-30: Days of Tashreeq in Mina

Important caveat: These dates are based on astronomical predictions. The official dates will only be confirmed after the physical moon sighting by Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court moon sighting committee. Dates could shift by one day in either direction.

Who Has Predicted What

According to Arab News, Pakistan's national space agency SUPARCO has announced that Eid al-Adha is likely to fall on May 27, 2026. The agency expects the new moon to be born on May 17, with the crescent becoming visible the same evening under favourable weather conditions.

Egypt's Dar al-Ifta has scheduled its official moon observation for Saturday, May 16 evening. However, astronomical calculations suggest the moon will set before the sun in both Makkah (by approximately 13 minutes) and Cairo (by approximately 7 minutes) on that evening - making a sighting on May 16 unlikely.

If the crescent is not sighted on May 16, Dhul Qi'dah (the current month) will complete 30 days, and Dhul Hijjah 1 will automatically begin on Monday, May 18.

Why the Exact Date Matters

For pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia, the moon sighting confirms exactly when they must be ready to move to Mina. The difference of even one day affects:

  • When to enter Ihram for Hajj
  • The deadline for completing Umrah (for Tamattu' pilgrims)
  • When accommodation transitions from Makkah hotels to Mina tents
  • Return flight timing after Hajj concludes

For Muslims worldwide who are not performing Hajj, the moon sighting determines when the blessed first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah begin - a period the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) described as the best days of the year for good deeds (Bukhari 969). It also confirms the Day of Arafah (for fasting) and the date of Eid al-Adha.

How to Stay Updated

The official Saudi announcement will come from the Supreme Court after the moon sighting attempt. It is typically broadcast on Saudi state television and published immediately on the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) website. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will also update the Nusuk platform with confirmed dates.

We will publish an update on thehajj.guide as soon as the official dates are confirmed. Until then, pilgrims should prepare based on the most likely scenario: Arafah on May 26 and Eid on May 27.