The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met in Karachi to sight the Zil Hajj moon and determine the official date for Eid-ul-Adha 2026 [1].
The meeting is critical because the visibility of the crescent moon dictates the start of the Islamic month of Zil Hajj and the subsequent timing of the festival. Because the lunar calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar, the exact date of the holiday varies annually.
Members of the committee, also referred to as the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, convened in Karachi to review sightings [1], [2]. The process involves gathering reports from various parts of the country to confirm if the moon is visible to the naked eye, a requirement for official declaration.
According to reports, the committee held a meeting on March 31, 2026, to discuss the expected dates [3]. While the official announcement follows the sighting process, scientific forecasts and preliminary reports have provided a range for the holiday. Some reports said that Eid-ul-Adha 2026 may fall on May 27 or May 28, 2026, depending on moon visibility [1].
Other forecasts are more specific, suggesting that the festival is likely to be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 [4]. The final determination rests with the committee's ability to verify the crescent's appearance across Pakistan's geography.
The committee's decision will trigger preparations for the religious holiday, which involves specific prayers, and the ritual sacrifice of animals. The timing is essential for millions of residents to coordinate their travel and religious obligations.
“Eid-ul-Adha 2026 may fall on May 27 or May 28, depending on moon visibility.”
The reliance on both traditional sighting and scientific forecasting often leads to slight discrepancies in expected dates, as seen in the range between May 27 and 28. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee serves as the final authority in Pakistan to ensure national uniformity in the observance of religious holidays, preventing fragmented celebrations across different provinces.
