Pakistan is preparing for the official sighting of the Zil Hajj Moon as Eid ul Adha 2026 approaches. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has announced a key meeting for the moon sighting process.
The meeting will take place on May 17, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th of Dhul Qa’dah. Religious authorities will gather to observe the Zil Hajj Moon and determine the beginning of the final Islamic month.
According to officials, the session will be held at the Pakistan Meteorological Department office in Karachi. The meeting will be chaired by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad.
After collecting moon sighting reports from across the country, the chairman will announce the final decision regarding the Zil Hajj Moon. Zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will also hold separate meetings on the same evening.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that the final announcement will be made by the central committee after reviewing all reports and observations.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has issued its astronomical forecast for Dhul Hijjah 1447 Hijri.
According to SUPARCO, the new moon is expected to be born on May 17 at 1:01 AM. By sunset, the moon will be approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes old.
Experts say these conditions are considered favorable for visibility if weather conditions remain clear. SUPARCO also noted that coastal areas in Pakistan may have improved chances of sighting the Zil Hajj Moon due to a longer moonset duration after sunset.
Based on scientific calculations, the first day of Dhul Hijjah is likely to fall on Monday, May 18, 2026. As a result, Eid ul Adha is expected to be observed on May 27.
However, officials stressed that the final confirmation will depend entirely on the official moon sighting announcement by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
The moon sighting process is one of the most important religious announcements in Pakistan each year. It determines the dates for Hajj and Eid ul Adha celebrations nationwide.
Religious authorities and citizens are now waiting for the final decision on the Zil Hajj Moon, which will officially mark the start of Dhul Hijjah 1447 Hijri.
In other news read more about: Suparco Predicts Zilhajj Moon Sighting, Eidul Adha 2026 Date in Pakistan
