Zil Hajj Moon Sighted in Pakistan, Eid ul Azha on May 27

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Sunday confirmed the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon, announcing that Eid-ul Azha will be observed across Pakistan on May 27. Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad announced moon sighting after a meeting of the committee at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in Karachi. Simultaneously, zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meetings were conducted in provincial capitals across the country to collect and review moon-sighting testimonies before the final declaration. Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee examined crescent sighting reports for Zil Hajj, a process that determined the date of Eid ul Azha. Following verification of testimonies, Maulana Azad formally announced the beginning of Zil Hajj on May 18, and as such, Eid ul Azha will fall on May 17. Addressing a press conference, he confirmed receiving credible testimonies of moon sighting from several parts of the country. Flanked by other members, he said that it has been decided with consensus that first Zil Hajj 1447 AH will be on Monday, May 18, and Eid ul Azha will be observed on Wednesday, May 27. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has already indicated a strong likelihood of the crescent being visible today, sparking anticipation ahead of the committee’s decision. A SUPARCO spokesperson said that the new moon was born on May 17 at 1:01 am, adding that its age at sunset on the same day was approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes, which is generally considered suitable for visibility.