ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced its astronomical prediction for Eid ul Adha 2026, indicating the festival is likely to fall on Wednesday, May 27, pending official moon sighting confirmation.
According to SUPARCO’s calculations, the Dhul Hijjah moon is expected to be born at 1:01am on Sunday, May 17. By sunset that day, the moon’s age will be around 18 hours and 30 minutes, which experts say is generally sufficient for visibility with the naked eye under clear skies.
The space agency noted that in Pakistan’s coastal areas, the time difference between sunset and moonset on May 17 will be approximately 60 minutes, further enhancing the likelihood of crescent sighting. For optimal visibility, the moon’s age typically needs to be close to 20 hours, SUPARCO added.
Based on these astronomical parameters, Pakistan is expected to complete 29 days of Dhul Qadah, placing the first day of Dhul Hijjah on Tuesday, May 19. Consequently, Eid ul Adha – which falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah – would be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
However, SUPARCO emphasized that the final decision rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad. The committee will convene on the evening of May 17 to officially sight the moon and announce the start of Dhul Hijjah and the Eid date.
Last year, Pakistan faced challenges in moon sighting due to cloudy weather in many regions. This year, meteorologists predict relatively clear skies across most of the country on the key sighting day, though updates will be provided closer to the date.
Eid ul Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims worldwide celebrate by offering prayers and sacrificing livestock, with meat distributed among family, friends, and the needy.
The government has already begun preparations for the holiday, with public sector holidays expected from May 27 to May 29. Livestock markets are also being set up across major cities in anticipation of increased demand for sacrificial animals.
Source: ARY News