Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to Convene Nationwide Moon Sighting Meetings
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet tomorrow (Sunday) to observe the Zilhajj moon, a key event that will determine the official date of Eidul Adha 2026 in Pakistan.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the central meeting will be held at the Pakistan Meteorological Department office in Karachi. The session will be chaired by Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad.
Officials confirmed that zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees will also hold simultaneous meetings across the country. These local committees will collect moon sighting testimonies from different regions before sending reports to the central body.
The final announcement regarding the sighting of the Zilhajj moon will be made by the committee chairman after reviewing all verified observations.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any authentic moon sighting information through official channels to ensure transparency and accuracy in the decision-making process.
The meeting plays a crucial role in determining the Islamic calendar and coordinating nationwide religious observances, especially for major events like Eidul Adha.
SUPARCO Forecast Suggests Early Zilhajj Moon Birth
The SUPARCO has released its astronomical prediction regarding the appearance of the Zilhajj moon.
According to SUPARCO, the new moon is expected to be born on May 17. Based on scientific calculations, the organization suggested that Eidul Adha 2026 may fall on May 27.
However, officials clarified that these predictions are based on astronomical data only. The final confirmation will depend on physical moon sighting reports received from across the country.
Experts explained that the visibility of the crescent depends on atmospheric conditions, geographical location, and timing after sunset. Therefore, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee remains the final authority for declaring the start of the Islamic month.
The forecast has generated public interest as citizens begin planning travel and holiday arrangements in anticipation of the festival.
Eid Holidays Expected to Follow Traditional Schedule
If the moon is sighted as expected, Eidul Adha celebrations in Pakistan are likely to take place in the last week of May 2026.
Traditionally, the government announces public holidays one day before the festival to allow families sufficient time to travel to their hometowns.
Based on the expected timeline, Eid holidays may begin on May 26 (Tuesday) and continue until May 29 (Friday), depending on official confirmation.
Government departments usually finalize holiday notifications after the official moon sighting announcement to ensure uniform observance across the country.
Eidul Adha is one of the most significant religious festivals in the Islamic calendar. It is observed with prayers, animal sacrifice, charity distribution, and family gatherings.
Authorities are expected to maintain close coordination with provincial administrations, law enforcement agencies, and religious scholars to ensure smooth observance of the festival.
The final decision will be announced after tomorrow’s meeting, which will officially confirm the beginning of Zilhajj and set the course for nationwide Eid preparations.
