Islamic Holidays 2026
All Islamic holidays of 2026 compared: the Umm al-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia and the official calendar of Türkiye’s Diyanet, with the next holiday at the top.
Source: Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı – Dini Günler (official calendar, Turkish). Updated: .
How it is calculated
Key dates in 2026
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, Ramadan begins on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Eid al-Fitr falls on Friday, 20 March 2026, Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The table lists each date in both calendars.
Why there are two dates
The Islamic calendar is purely lunar with 354 or 355 days, so the holidays move about eleven days earlier every year. Saudi Arabia uses the Umm al-Qura calendar; Türkiye’s Diyanet fixes its calendar in advance using astronomical criteria. Many countries and communities, including many in the US and UK, start the month only after the crescent has been sighted – then a holiday can be one day later.
Limits
Islamic days begin at sunset; the nights (Laylat al-Qadr, Isra and Mi’raj) are observed on the evening before the listed day. For prayer times and Eid prayers, follow your local mosque.
Frequently asked questions
When does Ramadan start in 2026?
On Wednesday, 18 February 2026 according to Umm al-Qura and on Thursday, 19 February 2026 according to Diyanet. Where the moon is sighted locally it may begin a day later.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2026?
On Friday, 20 March 2026 (Umm al-Qura); Diyanet: Friday, 20 March 2026.
When is Eid al-Adha 2026?
On Wednesday, 27 May 2026 (Umm al-Qura), the day after the Day of Arafah; Diyanet: Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
Why do Islamic holidays move every year?
Twelve lunar months add up to about 354 days, eleven fewer than a solar year. That is why Ramadan and the Eids move through all seasons over roughly 33 years.
Sources and legal basis
- Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı – Dini Günler (official calendar, Turkish)
- R. H. van Gent – The Umm al-Qura Calendar of Saudi Arabia
- ICU User Guide – Islamic calendars
As of:
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