Pakistan will celebrate Eid ul Adha on May 27 after authorities sighted the Zil Hajj moon across different parts of the country on Sunday. Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad announced the decision after the committee meeting in Karachi. The committee held its session at the Pakistan Meteorological Department headquarters. Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees also met in provincial capitals to gather moon sighting reports. Addressing a press conference, Maulana Azad confirmed that the committee received credible testimonies from several areas. “It was decided with consensus that the first day of Zil Hajj will be on Monday, May 18, and Eid ul Adha will be observed on May 27, Wednesday,” he said. The announcement places Pakistan alongside Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Turkiye, which also confirmed Eid ul Adha on May 27. Saudi authorities earlier confirmed the moon sighting. Pilgrims performing Hajj will observe Wuquf-e-Arafah on May 26 before celebrating Eid the next day. Suparco Forecast Matches Moon Visibility Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission had already predicted favourable moon sighting conditions. A Suparco spokesperson said the new moon was born at 1:01am on May 17. The spokesperson added that the moon’s age at sunset reached around 18 hours and 30 minutes. Experts generally consider that age suitable for visibility. Weather officials had also predicted relatively clear skies in several regions. Those conditions improved visibility chances across the country. The coordinated announcements across Muslim countries will allow millions of Muslims to celebrate Eid ul Adha on the same day this year. Eid ul Adha falls on the 10th day of Zil Hajj. The festival also marks the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. Eid Preparations Accelerate Across Pakistan Following the announcement, activity increased sharply in livestock markets across Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar. Authorities have already started implementing traffic and security plans around cattle markets and shopping areas. Eid ul Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. Muslims around the world observe the festival by offering animal sacrifices and distributing meat among relatives, friends and the poor. The festival remains one of the most important occasions in the Islamic calendar alongside Eid ul Fitr. Saudi Arabia also expects millions of pilgrims for Hajj this year. Authorities have expanded digital services, security systems and crowd management plans for the pilgrimage season.
Pakistan Could Observe Eid ul Adha on May 27, Says SUPARCO
Pakistan is likely to celebrate Eid ul Adha on May 27 after SUPARCO forecast strong chances of sighting the Zil Hajj moon on May 17. The national space agency released preliminary astronomical projections on Tuesday regarding the start of Zil Hajj 1447 Hijri. SUPARCO said atmospheric and astronomical conditions may support moon visibility in several parts of the country on the evening of May 17. A spokesperson said, “The age of the new moon at the time of sunset on May 17 will be approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes.” The official added that astronomers generally consider such conditions suitable for crescent visibility. SUPARCO also said the moon will likely be born at 1:01am on May 17. The spokesperson said coastal regions may offer clearer viewing conditions than inland areas. “The gap between sunset and moonset in coastal areas is expected to remain around 60 minutes, which significantly improves the probability of the moon being visible,” the spokesperson added. Based on these projections, Pakistan may begin Zil Hajj on Monday, May 18. The country will likely celebrate Eid ul Adha on Wednesday, May 27. However, SUPARCO clarified that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the final announcement. Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to announce official decision Pakistan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which depends on crescent sightings. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee usually meets before major Islamic occasions, including Ramadan and both Eids. Religious scholars, meteorologists and SUPARCO officials attend these meetings. They review eyewitness accounts and scientific data before announcing the official decision. Pakistan has increased the use of astronomical forecasts during moon sighting discussions in recent years. SUPARCO now regularly issues visibility projections before important Islamic months. Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries will also begin moon observations around the same time. If Saudi authorities sight the crescent on May 17, the kingdom may celebrate Eid ul Adha on May 26. Pakistan often marks the festival a day later because geographical conditions affect moon visibility. Eid preparations gain momentum across Pakistan Preparations for Eid ul Adha have already started in several cities. Livestock markets have begun operating in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad ahead of the festival. Local administrations are also preparing security, sanitation and traffic management plans. Eid ul Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Muslims around the world celebrate the occasion by offering animal sacrifices and sharing meat with relatives and the needy.
