National ( The cow news digital ) The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has issued its forecast regarding the expected date of Eid ul Adha 2026, indicating a strong possibility of a unified celebration in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
According to the council, if weather conditions remain clear, the moon for the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH is likely to be sighted on the evening of May 17, 2026. Consequently, the first day of Dhul Hijjah is expected to fall on Monday, May 18, while Eid ul Adha is anticipated to be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The council’s Secretary General, Khalid Ijaz Mufti, stated that the new moon will be born on the night between May 16 and 17 at approximately 1:01 AM Pakistan Standard Time. By sunset on May 17, the moon’s age in most parts of Pakistan is projected to exceed 18 hours, a duration generally considered sufficient for visibility with the naked eye.
He further explained that the time gap between sunset and moonset will also support visibility. In Karachi, this interval is expected to be around 55 minutes, while in Peshawar it could reach up to 63 minutes, increasing the likelihood of moon sighting in areas with clear skies.
However, the council noted that if cloudy conditions prevail on May 17 and the crescent is not sighted, the month of Dhul Qa’dah will complete 30 days. In that case, the first of Dhul Hijjah would fall on Tuesday, May 19.
The forecast also suggests that both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia may celebrate Eid ul Adha on the same day this year, subject to official confirmation by relevant authorities.
Final announcements regarding moon sighting will be made by the official committees following traditional verification procedures.
