ISLAMABAD: The Ruet-i-Hilal Research Council on Thursday predicted the likely dates for Eid al-Azha 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti, the new moon for Zilhaj 1447 AH is likely to occur on the night between May 16 and 17 at 1:01 am Pakistan Standard Time.
He stated that if the weather remains clear, the moon is expected to be visible in Pakistan on the evening of Sunday, May 17. This would mean that the first day of Zilhaj will fall on Monday, May 18. Eidul Azha is anticipated to be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Mufti said that on May 17, the moon will be over 18 hours old at sunset in most parts of Pakistan, making it a suitable time for moon sighting. In Karachi, the gap between sunset and moonset will be approximately 55 minutes, while in Peshawar, it will be around 63 minutes, allowing for moon visibility if the skies are clear.
If clouds hinder the sighting, the 30th day of Zilqad will be completed, and the first of Zilhaj will then be on Tuesday, May 19. The council also anticipates that Eidul Azha may fall on the same day in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which is May 27.
