Honestly, if you're waking up today and asking is today eid in usa, you’re definitely not alone. It's one of those questions that seems like it should have a simple "yes" or "no" answer, but because of how the lunar calendar works, things get a little messy.
Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026.
No, today is not Eid.
If you were hoping to put on your best clothes and head out for prayer this morning, you've got a bit of a wait ahead of you. We are currently in the middle of the Islamic month of Rajab. Specifically, tonight marks the beginning of the night of Isra’ wal Mi’raj, which is a significant night of prayer and reflection, but it isn't one of the two Eid festivals.
When is the next Eid in the United States?
You’re basically looking at two major dates for 2026. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the dates shift about 10 to 11 days earlier every year.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 (the one at the end of Ramadan) is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026.
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Eid al-Adha 2026 (the festival of sacrifice) is slated to begin around Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026, with the main day of celebration on Wednesday, May 27.
Now, I say "expected" and "slated" because there is always that one-day margin of error depending on whether a human eye actually sees the thin crescent of the new moon.
Is Today Eid in USA? Why the Answer Changes Every Year
Most people in the States are used to the Gregorian calendar. Christmas is always December 25th. The Fourth of July is, well, the fourth of July. But for Muslims, the holiday follows the moon.
This means the answer to is today eid in usa changes depending on where the moon is in its cycle. If you ask this question in March of this year, the answer will be very different.
The two Eids have very different "vibes," if you want to call it that. Eid al-Fitr is like the grand finale of a marathon. After fasting from dawn until sunset for 30 days during Ramadan, everyone is ready for a massive breakfast. Eid al-Adha is more solemn and focused on the story of the Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice.
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The Great Moon Sighting Debate
Why do your friends in New Jersey sometimes celebrate Eid on a Tuesday while your cousins in California wait until Wednesday? It's kind of a thing.
In the US, there are two main ways communities decide the date:
- The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA): They use astronomical calculations. They basically say, "Look, we can predict exactly where the moon will be for the next hundred years, so let's just set the date and let people request time off from work."
- Global or Local Moon Sighting: Other groups insist that someone must actually see the moon with their naked eye (or a telescope). If it’s cloudy in a specific region, they might wait an extra day.
For 2026, organizations like the Fiqh Council have already marked March 20th for Eid al-Fitr. But if you follow a local mosque that waits for a physical sighting, you might want to keep your schedule flexible for Saturday, March 21st, just in case.
Making Plans for Eid in 2026
If you’re trying to figure out your work schedule or school absences, here is the breakdown of what to expect for the upcoming holidays.
Eid al-Fitr (The Sugar Feast)
This one hits in the spring this year.
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- Anticipated Date: March 20, 2026.
- What happens: Huge communal prayers in the morning, usually in convention centers or large parks because mosques get way too crowded.
- The Food: Lots of sweets. In the US, you’ll see everything from traditional South Asian sheer khurma to Arab maamoul cookies, and honestly, a lot of Dunkin' Donuts in the prayer halls.
Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice)
This happens during the Hajj pilgrimage season.
- Anticipated Date: May 27, 2026.
- What happens: This is when families arrange for the Qurbani (sacrifice of livestock). In the US, most people do this through a local farm or a third-party service that distributes the meat to the needy.
- School Closures: Interestingly, 2026 is a big year for recognition. More school districts than ever, especially in New York and parts of New Jersey, are officially closing for Eid al-Adha this year.
Common Misconceptions About Eid Dates
One thing that confuses people is that "Islamic days" actually start at sunset the night before.
So, if someone says Eid is on Friday, the "Eid vibes" and prayers actually start being talked about on Thursday evening. That’s why you’ll see people wishing each other "Eid Mubarak" on social media before the sun even comes up on the actual day.
Another weird quirk? Sometimes people think Ramadan is Eid. It’s not. Ramadan is the month of fasting. Eid is the party after the month of fasting.
Actionable Next Steps
Since today, January 15, is definitely not Eid, you have plenty of time to get ready. Here is how you can prepare for the upcoming holidays in March and May:
- Request Time Off Early: Since neither Eid is a federal holiday in the USA yet (though some states are getting close), you’ll need to put in those PTO requests now. March 20th is a Friday, which is the most common day for the prayer.
- Check Your Local Mosque: Don't just rely on a Google search for is today eid in usa. Follow your local community's social media. They usually post a "Moon Sighting Announcement" the night before the expected date.
- Zakat al-Fitr: If you're observing the March holiday, remember you have to pay a small charitable donation (usually around $10–$15 per person) before the Eid prayer starts. Most people do this online a few days early.
- Plan Your Travel: If you're heading to a major city like Dearborn, Houston, or Paterson for the celebrations, book your hotels now. These hubs turn into massive festivals, and things fill up fast.
Keep an eye on the calendar as we get closer to the end of February. That's when the "Ramadan countdown" really starts, and you'll know exactly when to start the 30-day clock toward the next Eid.