Eidul Azha likely to fall on May 27

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) said on Tuesday that Eidul Azha is expected to be observed on May 27, based on its astronomical assessment of the Zilhajj moon.

In a statement, Suparco said, “The new moon of Zilhajj 1447 AH is expected to be born on May 17 at 1:01am.” It added that by sunset on the same day, the moon’s age would be around 18 hours and 30 minutes.

According to the commission, the time gap between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt is estimated at 60 minutes. These astronomical indicators suggest that the possibility of sighting the Zilhajj crescent on the evening of May 17 is favourable.

Suparco said the assessment remains dependent on weather conditions being clear and visibility near the horizon being suitable for observation.

“Based on these astronomical parameters, the chances of sighting the Zilhajj crescent on the evening of May 17 are considered favourable,“ Suparco said.

The commission said that if the crescent is sighted as anticipated, the first of Zilhajj 1447 AH would fall on Monday, May 18, bringing the month of Zilqad to a close. “Consequently, the 1st Zilhajj 1447 AH is anticipated to fall on Monday, May 18, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Zilqad,” it said.

On that basis, Suparco said Eidul Azha would fall on May 27.

The commission, however, made it clear that the formal announcement regarding the beginning of the Islamic month does not rest with it. The final decision on the sighting of the Zilhajj crescent and the start of the month would be taken by the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee of Pakistan.

Suparco said the committee is the only authority empowered to declare the start of Islamic months on the basis of credible witness accounts and verified observations received from across the country.

“The final decision regarding the sighting of the Zilhajj crescent and the commencement of the holy month will be made by the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the sole competent authority to announce the beginning of Islamic months on credible witness testimonies and verified observations from across the country,” the statement concluded.

The forecast provides an early scientific estimate ahead of the committee’s meeting for moon sighting, which will determine the official date for the start of Zilhajj and, subsequently, Eidul Azha in Pakistan.

Moon sighting subject to official confirmation

While Suparco’s calculations point to a likely date, the official observance of Eidul Azha in Pakistan will depend on the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee’s decision after reviewing testimonies and observations from different parts of the country.