When is Arafah Day?
In 2026, Arafah Day falls on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. It is classified here as a Jordanian public holiday.
History of Arafah Day
Arafah Day falls on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha. It takes its name from the plain of Arafat near Mecca, where pilgrims performing Hajj gather for the pilgrimage’s central rite. Muslims not on Hajj commonly observe a voluntary fast and devote additional time to prayer. In Jordan, the day’s practical holiday status is linked to the multi-day Eid al-Adha period rather than listed as a separate annual holiday in every general summary.
For 2026, the Prime Minister ordered ministries, public departments, official institutions, public universities, municipalities and wholly government-owned companies closed from Tuesday morning, May 26, through Saturday evening, May 30. The official notice identified May 26 as Arafah Day and Wednesday, May 27 as the first day of Eid al-Adha. This distinction prevents the five-day period from being inaccurately described as five days all beginning on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah.
Private-sector paid-holiday arrangements follow Labour Law guidance and Ministry decisions, while continuous public services remain operational according to their needs. The Gregorian date changes annually and depends on Jordan’s official lunar calendar. Long-range calculations are useful for planning but must not replace the operative government circular, particularly when travel, payroll or opening hours depend on the exact date.
How Arafah Day is observed
A religious day on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah; in 2026 it began Jordan’s May 26–30 public-sector Eid closure, subject to sector-specific operations.
Traditions of Arafah Day
Voluntary fasting
Many Jordanian Muslims who are not performing Hajj keep a voluntary fast from dawn until sunset on Arafah Day.
Prayer and supplication
Mosques and households devote additional time to Qur’an recitation, remembrance and personal supplication before the Eid festival begins.
Eid preparation
Families complete food, clothing, travel and charitable arrangements while ensuring that support reaches relatives and neighbours before Eid morning.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Jordanian official and legal guidance. Lunar dates, annual Royal or Cabinet notices and employer schedules should be confirmed against official notices.
History sources: Jordan Ministry of Foreign Affairs: public holidays, Jordan Customs: official holidays and observances, Central Bank of Jordan: 2026 bank holidays, Jordan Prime Ministry: standing holiday circular, Jordan Ministry of Labour and ILO: paid-holiday guidance, Jordan Prime Ministry: Arafah and Eid al-Adha closure for 2026.
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