Eid Al Adha — known in Malaysia as Hari Raya Aidiladha, Hari Raya Haji, or Hari Raya Korban — is one of the country’s most significant religious holidays. It marks the culmination of the Dhul Hijjah pilgrimage season and is observed with prayers, sacrifice, and family gatherings across the nation.
This guide covers the expected 2027 date, how it is determined, the public holiday, and what to expect if you are visiting Malaysia during the celebration. As all 2027 dates depend on the official moon sighting, treat them as estimates until confirmed.
When is Eid Al Adha 2027 in Malaysia?
Eid Al Adha 2027 is expected to fall around Sunday, 16 May 2027 (10 Zulhijjah 1448 H), with Malaysia frequently observing the holiday on or around Monday, 17 May 2027. These dates are estimates and remain subject to the official Zulhijjah moon sighting, which has not yet taken place.
The exact date for 2027 has not been announced and will be confirmed closer to the time. You can track confirmed timing through our when is Eid al-Adha guide as the season approaches.
How the date is determined
Malaysia sets the date using a combination of rukyah (physical moon sighting) and hisab (astronomical calculation). The sighting of the Zulhijjah crescent is the deciding factor and is tracked at observation points nationwide.
Once the crescent is sighted, the official announcement is made by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal (Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja). You can follow the lead-up through our Zulhijjah moon sighting guide.
Public holiday status
Hari Raya Aidiladha is a gazetted public holiday in Malaysia under the Holidays Act 1951. It is observed as a one-day national holiday across all states and federal territories.
Several states — historically including Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu — have observed a second day of holiday in past years. The exact 2027 holiday dates, including any second-day declarations, will be announced closer to the time. For workplace rules, see our private-sector holidays guide.
Eid Al Adha prayer in Malaysia
The Solat Sunat Hari Raya Aidiladha is the special morning prayer that opens the celebration. It typically takes place between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM depending on the state, with exact times confirmed by JAKIM closer to the date.
The prayer consists of two rakaat, with seven takbir in the first unit and five in the second. It is usually followed by a sermon (khutbah) on the meaning of sacrifice.
Major prayer venues
- Masjid Negara, Kuala Lumpur: the National Mosque, with capacity for around 15,000 worshippers.
- Masjid Putra, Putrajaya: the iconic pink mosque, accommodating about 15,000.
- Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur: one of the largest in the city, holding up to 17,000.
- Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque (Blue Mosque), Shah Alam: a landmark venue in Selangor.
Larger mosques often run multiple prayer sessions to manage the crowds. Arrive early if you plan to attend, as venues fill quickly on the morning of the holiday.
How Eid Al Adha is celebrated in Malaysia
The day begins with families dressing in traditional attire and heading to the mosque for morning prayers. Men typically wear the Baju Melayu with a songkok, while women wear the Baju Kurung or Kebaya.
After prayers, the focus shifts to the qurban (ritual sacrifice) and to gathering with family and friends. The atmosphere is warm and communal, with food at the heart of the celebration.
Qurban and open house
The qurban is performed after the morning prayers at mosques and designated community areas. Many families take part in a communal sacrifice, sharing the cost and the responsibility.
The meat is traditionally divided into three portions:
- For the family: one share is kept for the household performing the sacrifice.
- For relatives and friends: one share is given to extended family and neighbours.
- For those in need: one share is distributed to the poor and less fortunate.
The signature tradition is the rumah terbuka, or open house, where homes welcome guests of all backgrounds. Tables are filled with festive dishes such as rendang, ketupat, lemang, and nasi minyak.
The spirit of the open house reflects Malaysia’s muhibbah, or multicultural harmony. Visitors of all faiths are commonly invited to share in the meal and the celebration.
Visiting Malaysia during Eid Al Adha
Most major malls, attractions, and tourist sites remain open during the holiday. Smaller family-run shops and some Malay eateries may close for the day as owners observe the celebration.
Public transport, including the LRT, MRT, and Monorail, typically runs on a reduced weekend or holiday schedule. Plan extra time for journeys and check service updates before travelling.
Tips for tourists
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, especially near mosques and religious sites.
- Use the local greeting: wish people “Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha.”
- Accept open-house invitations: they are a warm and authentic way to experience the holiday.
- Expect busier hotspots: destinations like Langkawi and Penang tend to be busier over the holiday period.
If you are flying in, most travellers arrive via Kuala Lumpur International Airport, with onward links to Langkawi and Penang. Compare flights to Kuala Lumpur and book hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, or Penang early, as rooms fill up over the holiday.
Most foreign nationals must also complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before entry. See our MDAC guide for the latest requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eid al-Adha 2027 in Malaysia?
It is expected to fall around 16–17 May 2027. The exact date is subject to the official Zulhijjah moon sighting and will be announced by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal closer to the time.
Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in Malaysia?
Yes, it is a gazetted one-day national holiday. Some states have historically observed a second day, and the exact 2027 dates will be announced closer to the time.
What is Eid al-Adha called in Malaysia?
It is known as Hari Raya Aidiladha, Hari Raya Haji, or Hari Raya Korban. All three names refer to the same celebration of sacrifice at the close of the Dhul Hijjah pilgrimage season.
Sources
- JAKIM (islam.gov.my) — official Islamic authority for prayer and date confirmation
- Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal (majlisraja-raja.gov.my) — official announcement authority for the date
- timeanddate — Hari Raya Haji Malaysia — holiday dates reference
- Wikipedia — National Mosque of Malaysia — Masjid Negara capacity
- Wego — When is Eid al-Adha — date tracking guide
Disclaimer: All dates for 2027 are predictions based on astronomical estimates and remain subject to the official moon sighting. The confirmed date and public holiday declarations will be announced by the relevant Malaysian authorities closer to the time. Please verify details with official sources before making travel plans. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
