Pakistani religious authorities and moon-sighting committees are preparing to sight the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon to determine the start of Eid al-Adha [1].
The sighting is critical because it dictates the official start of the religious festival, ensuring that Muslims across the country observe the holiday on the correct day [1].
Reports from Multan indicate that committees are coordinating the observation process [2]. The effort is part of a broader regional attempt to locate the crescent, as authorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and India are also expected to conduct sightings [1].
The expected date for the moon sighting is May 26, 2026 [1]. This observation will confirm the beginning of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Once the crescent is sighted and verified, the religious authorities will announce the official date for the commencement of Eid al-Adha. This process involves a combination of visual sightings, and reports from various regions to ensure accuracy across the nation [1].
Multan remains a key location for these reports, serving as a hub for the moon-sighting committee's activities [2]. The coordination between these committees is essential to avoid discrepancies in the holiday calendar, which can occur if different regions report different sightings.
“Pakistani religious authorities and moon-sighting committees are preparing to sight the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon”
The reliance on lunar sightings for the Islamic calendar often leads to slight variations in holiday dates between different countries and regions. By coordinating sightings in Multan and other hubs, Pakistan aims to establish a unified date for Eid al-Adha to maintain social and religious cohesion during the festival.
