According to the calculations of the ANAS Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory and the sighting of the crescent moon on the Azerbaijani horizon, Eid al-Adha will fall on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah – May 27 in the Gregorian calendar.
This was reported to “Elchi” by the Caucasus Muslims Office.
“This year, in accordance with the unanimous fatwa adopted by the Council of Heads of Religious Administrations of the Organization of Turkic States on May 18, 2026, the holiday date has been confirmed as May 27. In accordance with Sharia, the sacrifice of animals can begin on May 27 and last for 3 days. Eid prayers will be performed in our mosques on May 27.
Eid al-Adha days have been declared non-working days by the state in Azerbaijan. We express our gratitude for the special attention our state pays to believers, and we congratulate the patron of our national and moral values, the head of our state, His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva on the occasion of the holiday, convey the blessings of our believers to their families, and wish them success in their benevolent and effective activities for the development of state-religion relations at a high level,” the fatwa stated.
The fatwa noted that sheep are usually preferred for sacrifice: “However, goats, cows, and camels can also be chosen for sacrifice. Everyone is free in the distribution of the meat, but according to the Prophet’s recommendation, helping the needy is closer to the spirit of our religion. The ritual of sacrifice must be performed in clean and highly sanitary conditions, in appropriate places. According to Sharia rules, the sacrificed animal must be healthy and fit for slaughter. Sick, emaciated, and defective animals are not considered suitable for sacrifice. Usually, animals that have reached a certain age are slaughtered. The age of a goat and sheep must be over one year, an ox and a cow over two years, and a camel must be five years old. According to Sharia, it is mandatory to lay the animal facing the Qibla and slaughter it in the name of Allah with the intention of Qurban. The sacrificial meat is mainly divided into three parts: it is recommended that one part be kept by the owner, another part be given to needy families, and the third part be distributed as gifts to relatives.”