Eid al-Adha 2026 Likely on May 27 in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Moon Sighting Set for May 17

Key facts

• Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council forecasts Eid al-Adha on May 27, 2026, subject to moon sighting.
• New moon for Zilhaj 1447 AH expected at 1:01am PST on night of May 16-17.
• Crescent likely visible in Pakistan on evening of May 17, making Zilhaj 1 on May 18.
• In Karachi, sunset-moonset interval is 55 minutes; in Peshawar, 63 minutes.
• If moon not sighted, Zilqad completes 30 days, Zilhaj 1 on May 19, Eid on May 28.
• India's Dhu al-Qadah starts April 17; Eid may fall on May 27 or 28 depending on moon.
• Karachi Metropolitan Corporation authorized cattle markets at five locations.
• Pakistan may enjoy 4-5 consecutive holidays if moon sighted on May 17.

Moon Sighting Forecast Points to May 27 for Eid al-Adha

The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has projected that Eid al-Adha will likely be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, across Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, contingent on the sighting of the Zilhaj crescent. Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti announced that the new moon for Zilhaj 1447 AH is expected to be born at 1:01am Pakistan Standard Time on the night between May 16 and 17. If weather conditions remain clear, the crescent should be visible across Pakistan on the evening of Sunday, May 17, making the first day of Zilhaj fall on Monday, May 18. Consequently, Eid al-Adha would be celebrated on May 27. Mufti noted that the moon would be over 18 hours old at sunset on May 17 in most parts of the country, providing favorable conditions for sighting.

Regional Visibility Windows and Contingency Plans

In Karachi, the interval between sunset and moonset is expected to be around 55 minutes, while in Peshawar it will be approximately 63 minutes, further supporting the likelihood of visibility under clear skies. However, if the crescent is not sighted due to cloud cover, the month of Zilqad will complete 30 days, pushing the first of Zilhaj to May 19 and Eid al-Adha to May 28. The council also indicated that Eid al-Adha is expected to be observed on the same day in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia this year, aligning the two nations' celebrations. In India, the start of Dhu al-Qadah from April 17 sets the stage for Bakrid 2026, with the lunar calendar suggesting Eid on May 27 if Dhu al-Hijjah begins May 18, or May 28 if the moon is sighted later.

Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to Meet on May 17

The official moon sighting committee, Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, will convene on May 17 to verify the crescent. If the moon is sighted that day, Eid holidays in Pakistan could fall between May 27 and 29 (Wednesday to Friday), and with the weekend included, the break could extend to May 31, totaling five days. If Zul-Hijjah completes 30 days, Eid is expected on May 28 and 29 (Thursday and Friday), resulting in a four-day holiday including the weekend. The final holiday schedule will depend on the moon sighting, with many citizens eager to plan their celebrations and travel.

Karachi Authorizes Cattle Markets at Five Locations

Authorities in Karachi have allowed the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to establish cattle markets at five designated locations ahead of Eidul Azha 2026. According to an official notification, markets will be set up at Sunday Bazar in North Karachi, KMC Grounds, Safari Park, and Gulistan-e-Johar Blocks 5 and 6. Additionally, cattle markets will be arranged on vacant plots in Lyari’s Bakra Piri area and Korangi. The KMC had originally requested approval for 11 livestock markets across the city to regulate trade and provide organized facilities for buyers and sellers, but only five were authorized.

Preparations Underway Across Pakistan and Beyond

Pakistan and Muslims around the world are preparing for Eid-ul-Adha 2026, with many eager to know the holiday schedule. The festival, also known as Bakrid, involves prayers and Qurbani (animal sacrifice), pending final moon sightings in May. In India, the start of Dhu al-Qadah from April 17 marks the beginning of the sacred period leading to Eid. The lunar calendar dictates that if Dhu al-Hijjah begins May 18, Eid Ul Azha will fall on May 27; if the moon is sighted later, the festival shifts to May 28. This sacred period concludes with prayers and Qurbani, pending final moon sightings in May.

Outlook: Clear Skies Could Unify Celebrations

With favorable astronomical conditions predicted, the likelihood of a unified Eid date across Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is high. The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council's forecast, based on moon age and visibility windows, provides a strong basis for planning. However, the final decision rests on the physical sighting of the crescent on May 17. If the moon is sighted as expected, Pakistan will enjoy an extended five-day weekend, boosting domestic travel and festive activities. The authorized cattle markets in Karachi aim to streamline the Qurbani process, reflecting broader preparations nationwide. The coming weeks will see increased activity as communities finalize their arrangements for one of Islam's most significant festivals.

The bottom line

• Eid al-Adha 2026 is likely on May 27 in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, pending moon sighting on May 17.
• The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council forecasts favorable visibility due to moon age and sunset-moonset intervals.
• Pakistan may have 4-5 consecutive holidays depending on the moon sighting date.
• Karachi has authorized five cattle market locations, fewer than the 11 requested by KMC.
• India's Eid date may be May 27 or 28, aligned with lunar calendar variations.
• The official Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on May 17 to confirm the crescent sighting.