India, Bangladesh, Brunei, and South Africa to Celebrate Eid Al Adha on Thursday
India, Bangladesh, Brunei and South Africa to mark Eid Al Adha on Thursday
Gulf NewsImage: Gulf News
India, Bangladesh, Brunei, and South Africa will observe Eid Al Adha on Thursday, May 28, 2026, due to differing moon-sighting practices. This contrasts with many Arab and Muslim countries, which will celebrate on Wednesday, May 27.
- 01India, Bangladesh, Brunei, and South Africa announced Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on May 28, 2026.
- 02The variation in Eid dates arises from different moon-sighting methods and astronomical calculations.
- 03More than 28 countries, including those in the Arab world, will celebrate Eid on May 27, aligning with Saudi Arabia.
- 04The differences in Eid dates occur annually due to geographical and astronomical conditions.
- 05Countries that follow Saudi Arabia's moon sighting include the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Pakistan.
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As the majority of the Arab and Muslim world prepares to celebrate Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, four countries—India, Bangladesh, Brunei, and South Africa—will observe the holiday a day later, on Thursday, May 28. This decision is based on the differing moon-sighting determinations for the start of Dhul Hijjah. Official religious authorities in these countries confirmed that the first day of Dhul Hijjah began on May 19, leading to Arafat Day on May 27 and Eid Al Adha on May 28. The variation in celebration dates is attributed to the longstanding differences in moon-sighting practices, with each nation relying on its own methods of observation and astronomical calculations. In contrast, over 28 Arab and Islamic countries, along with Muslim communities in Western nations, will follow Saudi Arabia's moon sighting and celebrate Eid on May 27. Astronomers note that such discrepancies are common due to varying geographical conditions and the reliance on either naked-eye sightings or astronomical calculations.
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