The Muslims of Pakistan are eagerly waiting for the appearance of the moon of Zil Qadah in the coming days as the Islamic month Bismilah, with prayer in mind. The sighting impacts the work that is required for the duty of Hajj and Eid-ul-Azha (the “Festival of Sacrifice”). Reports of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and astronomical observations indicate that the moon of the month Zil Hajj 1447 AH will be visible in late May 2026.
Astronomical Predictions for the Zil Hajj Moon Sighting
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the astronomical experts have predicted the birth of a new moon on 17th May, 2026 at 1.01 AM (PST).
With clear sky it is scientifically possible, to be sighted, with naked eyes in several parts of Pakistan the age of the moon will be more than 18 hours as it would be on the evening of 17th May.
Expected Dates for Eid-ul-Azha 2026 in Pakistan
| Islamic Event | Expected Date (Option A) | If Moon Sighted Later (Option B) |
| 1st Zil Hajj | Monday, May 18 | Tuesday, May 19 |
| Day of Arafah (Hajj) | Tuesday, May 26 | Wednesday, May 27 |
| Eid-ul-Azha (1st Day) | Wednesday, May 27 | Thursday, May 28 |
| Eid-ul-Azha (2nd Day) | Thursday, May 28 | Friday, May 29 |
| Eid-ul-Azha (3rd Day) | Friday, May 29 | Saturday, May 30 |
The Role of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee
There is a Registration Committee called Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee under the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) whose official announcement is final but there is scientific data which will have a high degree of accuracy.
Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad will chair the committee which will meet in the evening on midnight of May 17 for collecting testimonies from other parts of the country. In accordance with a Shariah compatible procedure, the nation will be notified via state media of the date at which Zil Hajj and the date of Eid will be called by final decision.
Government Holidays and Preparation
In the light of the above, the federal and provincial governments are likely to declare a three to four-day public holiday, starting May 27 and ending May 28, 29. This gives citizens plenty of time to participate in the religious act of Qurbani and visit family. Livestock markets (Mandi) can be expected to be the busiest in the third of May.
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