Web Desk: Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has forecast that Eidul Azha in 2026 is likely to fall on May 27, based on preliminary astronomical calculations for the sighting of the Zilhaj moon.
The prediction provides an early outlook for one of the most significant religious festivals in the Islamic calendar, although final confirmation will depend on the official moon sighting process.
According to Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti, the new moon marking the beginning of Zilhaj 1447 AH is expected to be born on the night of May 16–17 at 1:01 am Pakistan Standard Time.
He said that if atmospheric conditions remain favourable, the crescent should become visible in Pakistan on the evening of Sunday, May 17. In that case, the first day of Zilhaj would fall on Monday, May 18.
Consequently, Eidul Azha would likely be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Mufti explained that by sunset on May 17, the lunar age would exceed 18 hours across most regions of Pakistan, a threshold generally considered suitable for crescent visibility.
In addition, he noted that the time gap between sunset and moonset would support potential sighting conditions, reaching about 55 minutes in Karachi and roughly 63 minutes in Peshawar, provided skies remain clear.
However, he cautioned that cloud cover or adverse weather could obstruct visibility. In such a scenario, the month of Zilqad would complete 30 days, pushing the start of Zilhaj to Tuesday, May 19.
Meanwhile, the council indicated that Eidul Azha may coincide on the same date in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with both expected to observe the festival on May 27.
tHEt final dates remain subject to moon sighting decisions by relevant religious authorities, which may adjust based on local observations.
The Ruet-e-Hilal system continues to play a central role in determining the Islamic lunar calendar in Pakistan, with annual predictions closely followed ahead of major religious events.
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