ISLAMABAD: The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has shared expected dates for Eidul Azha in 2026.
Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti stated that the moon of Zilhaj 1447 AH is expected to be born between the night of May 16 and 17 at 1:01 am (PST). If weather conditions are clear, the crescent is likely to be visible across Pakistan on the evening of May 17.
Based on this projection, the first day of Zilhaj would fall on May 18, with Eidul Azha expected to be celebrated on May 27, 2026.
He explained that the moon’s age at sunset on May 17 will exceed 18 hours in most areas, which is generally sufficient for visibility. Cities like Karachi and Peshawar are also expected to have favorable moon-sighting conditions, with adequate time between sunset and moonset.
However, if the crescent is not sighted due to cloudy weather, Zilqad will complete 30 days, shifting the start of Zilhaj to May 19.
The council further indicated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are likely to observe Eidul Azha on the same date this time.
