Saudi Arabia’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is set to convene today to observe the moon of Zilhaj 1447 Hijri, a development that will determine the official dates for Hajj and Eidul Azha across the Kingdom.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi Supreme Court has appealed to citizens and residents to sight the Zilhaj crescent on Sunday evening and report any confirmed sightings to the relevant authorities. The announcement comes as preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage enter their final stages.
Astronomers in Saudi Arabia have indicated that there are strong chances of the moon being visible today. If the crescent is sighted, the Kingdom is expected to declare Monday, May 18, as the first day of Zilhaj. In that case, the Day of Arafah — considered the most important day of Hajj, would fall on Tuesday, May 26, while Eidul Azha would be observed on Wednesday, May 27.
The moon sighting announcement is being closely followed throughout the Muslim world, particularly in countries where Eid celebrations often coincide with Saudi Arabia’s official calendar.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has already predicted a strong possibility of the Zilhaj moon being visible on May 17. Based on these forecasts, Eidul Azha in Pakistan is also expected to fall on May 27.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan is also scheduled to hold its meeting this evening to review moon sighting reports from across the country before making a final announcement regarding the beginning of Zilhaj.
If the crescent moon is sighted in Pakistan today, there is a strong likelihood that Eidul Azha will be celebrated simultaneously in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia this year. Such alignment is often welcomed by religious scholars and citizens alike, as it brings greater unity in the observance of one of Islam’s most significant religious occasions.
