The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a preliminary lunar calendar for 2026, outlining the expected dates for the sighting of Islamic months, including Zil-Hajj.
According to the Climate Data Processing Centre, the calendar has been prepared using scientific and meteorological data, detailing the moon’s birth time, sunset timings and expected visibility throughout the year.
As per the forecast, the moon of Zil-Hajj is likely to be sighted on May 17, which may place Eid-ul-Adha in the last week of May 2026, on May 27, subject to the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s official announcement.
READ: Weather department forecasts expected dates for Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr 2026
The report further states that the crescent for Zil-Qadah is expected to be sighted on April 18, Muharram on June 15 and Safar on July 15 as per the projected lunar cycle.
The weather department said the forecast is based on scientific and atmospheric data, prepared to assist institutions and the public with advance planning.
However, it also clarified that the final confirmation will rest with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
