Zilhaj Moon Likely to Be Sighted on May 28: Eid ul Adha Expected on June 7 in Pakistan

Experts in astronomy expect that Pakistani residents can observe the Zilhaj 1446 AH moon on May 28, 2025. When this is confirmed, Zilhaj would start on May 29 and Eid ul Adha would be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Because Hajj and Eid activities depend on moon sighting, many people are eagerly waiting to see the moon this year, particularly in Pakistan.

When Will the Zilhaj Moon Be Born?

Astronomers have announced that the new moon (hilal) for Zilhaj will start on May 27. It won’t show up that day since it’s just been born and doesn’t stay visible for long.

Because the interval between sunset and moonset on May 27 is so short, it is almost impossible to see the moon unaided. An infant moon won’t be visible unless detected by technological equipment.

Why Crescent Moon Visibility Is Tricky

The Zilhaj crescent can be seen simply if a number of astronomical and weather conditions exist.

•           A moon that has not yet passed 20 hours from birth is hard to see clearly in the sky.

•           When the moon has a bigger distance from the sun, it is easier to see.

•           Looking for a taller moon: You are more likely to see a moon when it is higher up.

•           A number of factors in the weather—cloud cover, pollution and humidity—can stop us from seeing wildlife.

Even when the weather is perfect here, visibility in Pakistan often changes quickly. When the sky becomes obscured by dust or clouds, officials may not be able to confirm until it clears.

Scientific Predictions vs. Religious Confirmation

Astronomers may predict when Islamic months will begin, but in Pakistan, these months are confirmed when people see the moon. It is the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee that oversees the efforts to spot and verify the moon all over the country.

This committee collects views from the following sources:

•             Local Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees

mosque imams and scholars who live in the community

•             Observatory and weather station reports

Most commonly, the final announcement comes after Maghrib prayers when trustworthy sightings are confirmed.

The Importance of Zilhaj in the Islamic Calendar

Zilhaj comes 12th in the Islamic lunar calendar as the last and most important month. For Muslims all over the world, it is a major religious event. Important dates throughout Zilhaj are:

Pilgrimage to Makkah during the Hajj

The Day of Arafah takes place on the 9th of Zilhaj

Also known as Eid ul Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, comes on the 10th day of Zilhaj.

All over the world, Muslims organize their animals for sacrifice, organize travel for visiting family and perform extra prayers and good deeds for Eid ul Adha.

Public Preparations Already Underway

Even before we learn from the moon sighting, Pakistanis are making preparations for Eid. Big cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad are going through:

•           Markets for livestock are now being available

•           The need for train and transport bookings has gone up.

•           Advance orders have been placed for tailored clothes and for baked goods

Families making plans for qurbani and deciding who will get the meat

Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to Make the Final Call

Although the projections from scientists say one day earlier, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will gather on the evening of May 28 to make its final announcement. The committee usually consists of these people:

People who are trained in religion

Leaders and government employees

Met experts

•           People working in astronomy and science

National TV and official social media channels will stream the decision live. When confirmed, mosques and the authorities will share messages with the nation via public media.

Conclusion: Awaiting the Crescent of Zilhaj

As the Zilhaj moon may be seen on May 28, Pakistan makes final preparations to start the most important month in the Islamic calendar. Though science helps forecast the results, it is not the committee’s announcement that matters the most.

Before Eid ul Adha 2025 arrives, Muslims across Pakistan are making plans to celebrate with love, sharing and togetherness. Prayer, sacrifice or a family gathering at Eid will ensure this event is spiritually fulfilling for everyone celebrating it.