Pakistan Likely to Celebrate Eid ul Adha on May 27, 2026, Says Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council

Key facts

• Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council predicts Eid ul Adha on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
• Zilhaj moon expected to be visible on evening of Sunday, May 17, if weather clear.
• New moon born at 1:01 AM (PST) on night between May 16 and 17.
• Moon's age to exceed 18 hours at sunset on May 17 in most of Pakistan.
• Sunset-moonset gap: 55 minutes in Karachi, 63 minutes in Peshawar.
• If moon not sighted on May 17, Eid shifts to Thursday, May 28.
• Council expects Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to share same Eid date, May 27.

Forecast Places Eid ul Adha on May 27, 2026

The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has released its astronomical projection for the Zilhaj moon sighting, indicating that Eid ul Adha is likely to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Pakistan. The forecast, based on lunar calculations and visibility criteria, provides the most detailed early estimate for the Islamic festival that marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage. The council’s Secretary General, Khalid Ejaz Mufti, stated that the new moon for Zilhaj 1447 AH will be born at 1:01 AM Pakistan Standard Time during the night between May 16 and May 17. If atmospheric conditions remain clear, the crescent should be visible across Pakistan on the evening of Sunday, May 17, making Monday, May 18, the first day of Zilhaj.

Visibility Parameters Favor Sighting on May 17

Mufti explained that by sunset on May 17, the moon’s age will surpass 18 hours in most parts of the country, a threshold considered suitable for naked-eye sighting. The time gap between sunset and moonset—a critical factor for visibility—will be approximately 55 minutes in Karachi and 63 minutes in Peshawar, further enhancing the likelihood of spotting the crescent in areas with unobstructed skies. These parameters, the council noted, make the evening of May 17 a favorable window for official moon sighting committees. However, the forecast is contingent on clear weather; cloud cover could obscure the crescent, delaying the start of Zilhaj.

Alternate Date if Moon Not Sighted

Should the moon remain hidden on May 17 due to overcast conditions, the council has outlined a contingency timeline. In that scenario, the month of Zilqad would complete its full 30 days, pushing the first of Zilhaj to Tuesday, May 19. Consequently, Eid ul Adha would be observed a day later, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. This dual-date projection is standard practice for lunar-calendar observances in Pakistan, where official sighting committees make the final determination based on actual moon sightings. The council’s forecast serves as an early guide for planning, but the definitive announcement will come from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee closer to the date.

Potential Alignment with Saudi Arabia

In a notable development, the council also anticipates that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia may observe Eid ul Adha on the same day this year—likely May 27. Such alignment occurs when the lunar crescent is visible in both countries on the same evening, a scenario that the current astronomical data supports. Historically, differences in moon sighting methodologies have sometimes led to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia celebrating Eid on separate days. The prospect of a unified date in 2026 underscores the convergence of visibility conditions across the region, though final confirmation will depend on actual sightings.

Implications for UAE Residents and Long Weekends

The projected dates also carry significance for the United Arab Emirates, where Eid Al Adha is a multi-day public holiday. Current projections suggest that Dhu Al Hijjah could begin around Monday, May 18, placing Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, and Eid Al Adha from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29. If these dates hold, UAE residents could enjoy a six-day break when combined with the weekend. The UAE’s updated public holiday rules allow for greater flexibility in adjusting observances, potentially creating extended weekends for Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday later in 2026. However, the Eid Al Adha break remains the longest anticipated stretch of time off for the year.

Open Questions and Final Determination

While the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council’s forecast provides a robust early indication, the final date of Eid ul Adha in Pakistan rests on the official moon sighting on the 29th of Zilqad. The council’s role is advisory; its calculations inform but do not replace the decisions of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which convenes on the evening of the sighting. For now, the forecast offers a clear baseline: May 27 as the likely date, with May 28 as the alternative. The alignment with Saudi Arabia adds a layer of regional coordination, but weather and local sighting conditions will ultimately determine the calendar. Pakistanis and Muslims worldwide will await the official announcement with the customary blend of anticipation and religious devotion.

The bottom line

• Eid ul Adha 2026 in Pakistan is forecast for Wednesday, May 27, with a backup date of Thursday, May 28 if moon not sighted.
• Zilhaj moon expected to be visible on May 17 evening; moon age >18 hours and sunset-moonset gap favorable in Karachi and Peshawar.
• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia likely to celebrate Eid on the same day, May 27, for the first time in recent years.
• UAE residents may get a six-day Eid Al Adha break from May 26 to 29, 2026.
• Final date confirmed by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after actual moon sighting on 29th of Zilqad.
• Forecast based on astronomical calculations; weather conditions remain a variable for final decision.