Pakistan's Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced the official sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent to determine the date of Eid-ul-Adha [1].
This announcement is critical for millions of Muslims in Pakistan who rely on the national authority to synchronize their religious observations and public holidays. The timing of the crescent sighting dictates the start of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the final month of the lunar calendar and the period for the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee said the announcement was made March 31, 2026 [2]. By confirming the sighting, the committee established the timeline for the religious festivities associated with the holiday. The sighting allows the government and citizens to prepare for the specific rituals required during this period.
According to the committee, the expected day for the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha in Pakistan will be 10 Dhul-Hijjah [2]. This date marks the culmination of the Hajj and the beginning of the festival of sacrifice. The process of moon-sighting involves a network of observers across the country who report visibility to the central committee.
Regional coordination often plays a role in these announcements, as countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE also monitor the crescent to align their calendars [1]. The official confirmation in Pakistan ensures that the domestic observance remains consistent with national standards, and religious tradition. This alignment prevents confusion among the public regarding the start of the fasting or celebratory periods.
“The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee made the announcement on March 31, 2026.”
The confirmation of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee provides the necessary legal and religious framework for Pakistan to organize national holidays and livestock markets. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the date of Eid-ul-Adha shifts annually in the Gregorian calendar, making the committee's official sighting the only authoritative source for the country's scheduling.
