The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Sunday confirmed the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon, announcing that Eid-ul Azha will be observed across Pakistan on May 27.
Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad announced after a meeting of the committee at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in Karachi.
Simultaneously, zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meetings were conducted in provincial capitals across the country to collect and review moon-sighting testimonies before the final declaration.
Ruet-e-Hilal Meetings Updates
Simultaneous meetings are taking place in Karachi and all provincial capitals as the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee gathers to review testimonies of moon sighting from across the country. Zonal and district-level committees are also actively engaged at designated locations, collecting reports and forwarding evidence from different regions for verification.
The entire process is being overseen by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. After reviewing all submissions, an official announcement will be made confirming whether the Zil Hajj moon has been sighted or not, which will determine the start of the Islamic month.
Preliminary expectations suggest that 1st Zil Hajj 1446 AH may begin on May 27, depending on the final decision of the committee. With generally clear and sunny weather conditions expected in many regions, officials believe moon visibility could be favorable, increasing anticipation nationwide.
SUPARCO Predictions for Eid ul Azha 2026
Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has released detailed astronomical predictions indicating that the Zil Hajj crescent is expected to become visible on May 17, 2026.
According to SUPARCO, the new moon of Zilhajj 1447 AH will be born at 1:01 AM on May 17. By sunset the same day, the moon’s age will be approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes. The agency also estimates a 60-minute gap between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions.
Based on these calculations, SUPARCO considers the chances of sighting the crescent on the evening of May 17 to be favorable, provided weather conditions remain clear and visibility near the horizon is good. The forecast suggests Eid ul Azha is likely to fall around May 27, subject to official confirmation.
Eid ul Azha 2026 Holidays in Pakistan
The expected timing of Eid ul Azha 2026 could result in unusually long holidays across Pakistan. With Labour Day on May 1 falling on a Friday, citizens will already enjoy a three-day opening weekend.
Further extended breaks are expected later in the month depending on moon sighting outcomes. Authorities have outlined two possible Eid scenarios based on the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision on May 17.
Possible Scenario 1: Moon sighted on May 17
- Eid holidays: May 27 to May 29 (Wednesday to Friday)
- Extension into weekend possible
- Total break may stretch up to five days ending May 31
Possible Scenario 2: Moon not sighted (30-day month)
- Eid likely on May 28 and May 29 (Thursday and Friday)
- Combined with weekend
- Four-day holiday period expected
The federal government’s 2026 holiday calendar includes 11 official public holidays and 23 optional holidays. Key national dates include Kashmir Day (February 5), Pakistan Day (March 23), Labour Day (May 1), and Yom-e-Takbeer (May 28).
Eid Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially urged citizens across the kingdom to look for the Zil Hajj crescent on May 17. Astronomers believe the crescent may be visible after sunset, and all sightings are to be reported to local courts.
Meanwhile, Muslim communities in Morocco are also preparing for moon observation on the same day, as global anticipation builds for confirmation of Dhul Hijjah.
Eid ul Azha 2026 in UK
In the United Kingdom, Eid ul-Adha 2026 is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27 for many Muslim communities. Several mosques are expected to align on a single date this year based on coordinated moon sighting interpretations.
Some religious groups suggest this could lead to a rare moment of unity, with Eid being observed simultaneously across different communities within the UK.
Countries which already announced Eid ul Adha
Tunisia and Turkey are also expected to align with similar dates for Eid al-Adha 2026. Turkey, however, follows a pre-calculated Islamic calendar instead of physical moon sighting.
If the crescent is confirmed on May 17, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on May 18. This would place:
- Day of Arafah: May 26
- Eid al-Adha: May 27
Muslim communities across the UK, UAE, and other regions are expected to follow these timings closely.
United Eid This year?
Some Islamic organizations in the UK believe 2026 may bring a rare “united Eid” due to overlapping moon sighting expectations across multiple regions, including Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
The New Crescent Society notes that UK mosques often follow different countries for moon sighting, which has historically led to Eid being observed on different days within the same country. However, this year’s astronomical alignment suggests many regions may begin Dhul Hijjah on the same date.
If confirmed, this could allow a large portion of Muslims in the UK to celebrate Eid together on May 27.
Eid ul Azha in Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s Supreme Court has released its official calendar for Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH following its national moon sighting announcement.
Authorities confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted, making May 18 the first day of Dhul Hijjah in Afghanistan.
Under this schedule:
- Day of Arafah will be observed on Tuesday
- Eid al-Adha celebrations will begin nationwide on Wednesday
Global Moon Sighting Underway
Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, are expected to be among the first to officially announce moon sighting results. Muslim communities across Europe, Asia, and Australia are closely watching developments, awaiting guidance from their respective religious authorities.
The coordination of sightings and astronomical predictions is shaping one of the most closely followed Islamic calendar updates of 2026.
What is Eid ul Azha?
Eid ul-Adha commemorates the unwavering devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Hazrat Ibrahim), who was prepared to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail in obedience to Allah’s command. Before the sacrifice took place, Allah replaced the child with a ram as a divine act of mercy.
The festival is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah.
Muslims who are financially capable perform animal sacrifice, such as goats, sheep, or cattle. The meat is divided into three parts: one portion for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the needy.
The celebration begins with special Eid prayers, followed by feasts, charity distribution, and community gatherings, emphasizing sacrifice, faith, generosity, and care for the less fortunate.
