Here’s the deal: Eid ul Adha happens on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. That’s the month of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. But the actual start of Dhul Hijjah depends on the new moon over Mecca. So, we’re all waiting for a sign from Saudi Arabia.
In the UK, this means you’ll probably see a flurry of announcements around 9th July 2026. That’s the evening before the expected date. You’ll get the text from your cousin, the mosque will update its website, and then the real chaos begins: sheep shopping.
But let’s be honest—sometimes the moon plays hard to get. If it’s cloudy over Mecca, the date might shift to Wednesday, 22nd July. And then everyone sighs, rebook their days off, and pretends they knew all along.
What Does This Mean for Your Schedule?
If you’re working in the UK, you need to talk to your boss now. Like, yesterday. Mark that Tuesday 21st July as a strong possibility. But also warn them it might be the 22nd. They’ll love that—a floating holiday. So professional.
The prayer timings will be the usual: first thing in the morning. In July, that means around 5:30 AM in most of England. Yes, you have to be up before the sun, but the reward is a massive breakfast, so it’s a fair trade.
Eid ul Adha 2026: Dates, History, and Complete Guide to Qurbani
All the big mosques in London, Birmingham, and Manchester will hold multiple prayers. The East London Mosque alone crams in thousands of people. You’ll be shuffling shoes with total strangers—it’s a bonding experience, really.
