The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met on May 17, 2026, to sight the Zil Hajj moon and determine the start of Eid al-Adha [1].
The outcome of the meeting is critical for millions of Muslims in Pakistan, as it establishes the official religious calendar for the upcoming holiday. Because the Islamic calendar relies on lunar sightings, the exact date of the festival varies annually.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said the meeting took place on Sunday [1]. This date corresponds to 29 Zil Qadah 1447 AH [1]. The committee is responsible for coordinating reports from various cities to ensure a unified announcement for the country.
Observers across Pakistan monitored the horizon to identify the Dhul Hijjah crescent. The committee reviews these reports to decide if the moon was visible, which then dictates whether the month of Zil Qadah concludes or extends for one more day.
Once the committee reaches a decision, the government officially announces the date for the start of the month of Dhul Hijjah. This announcement serves as the trigger for preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage, and the subsequent celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The process involves a systematic collection of data from different geographical regions to minimize discrepancies in sighting. This coordination aims to prevent conflicting dates between different religious sects or regional observers within the country.
“The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met on May 17, 2026, to sight the Zil Hajj moon.”
The sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon is the final procedural step in determining the timing of Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic faith. By centralizing the sighting process through the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the Pakistani government attempts to maintain national religious synchronization and avoid the social friction that arises when different regions observe the holiday on different days.
