ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s central moon-sighting committee on Sunday announced that the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah had been sighted in the country, consequent upon which Eid Al-Adha will be celebrated on May 27.
The central moon-sighting committee met in Karachi, under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, while zonal moon-sighting committees met at their respective headquarters across the country.
Speaking at a presser after the meeting, Azad said the central committee received testimonies of Dhul Hijjah moon sighting from different areas of Pakistan, including Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi and Peshawar.
“Hence, it was decided with consensus that God willing, the first of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH will fall on Monday, 18th May 2026, and Eid Al-Adha will be on Wednesday, 27th May,” he announced.
Eid Al-Adha, one of the two most important festivals in Islam, marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and is observed by Muslims worldwide through prayers and the ritual sacrifice of animals.
The pinnacle of the pilgrimage, the day of Arafat, will take place on Tuesday, May 26.
Pakistan’s Hajj mission in Saudi Arabia is already managing the incoming pilgrims from the country.
Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Mohammad Yousaf also arrived in the Kingdom on Saturday to review the arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah and other sacred sites.
“The arrangements made by the Saudi government are exemplary and commendable,” Yousaf was quoted as saying by his ministry on Sunday.
The minister stressed that there should be no shortcomings in the grievance redressal system, instructing officials: “No stone should be left unturned in hosting Hajj pilgrims.”
