Zilhajj Moon Sighted, Hajj Pilgrims to Gather at Arafat on May 26
Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially announced the beginning of the Islamic month of Zilhajj, confirming that pilgrims performing Hajj will observe the Day of Arafat on Tuesday, May 26, while Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The Day of Arafat marks the spiritual peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, during which millions of Muslims gather at Mount Arafat near Makkah for prayers and reflection. Eidul Azha, which follows, is observed with special congregational prayers, family gatherings, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with meat distributed among relatives, friends, and those in need.
Saudi authorities have also intensified preparations for the 2026 Hajj season, implementing comprehensive operational plans to manage large crowds and facilitate pilgrims arriving from around the world.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee also confirmed the sighting of the Zilhajj crescent, aligning Eidul Azha celebrations with Saudi Arabia this year. Speaking at a press conference, Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad stated that the moon was sighted in multiple regions, including Karachi, parts of Sindh, as well as Mardan, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
He announced that the first of Zilhajj 1447 AH will fall on May 18, with Eidul Azha to be celebrated nationwide on May 27. The moon sighting meeting was held at the Meteorological Department in Karachi, with zonal committee sessions conducted simultaneously in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar.
Earlier, SUPARCO had also forecast similar dates based on astronomical calculations. The agency stated that the new moon was born on May 17 at 1:01am PST, and by sunset its age reached approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes, making visibility likely under clear weather conditions.
SUPARCO further noted that coastal areas of Pakistan had a time gap of around 60 minutes between sunset and moonset, increasing the chances of crescent visibility. Based on these parameters, the agency had predicted favourable conditions for moon sighting, which has now been officially confirmed.