The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has officially announced the date for the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting to sight the moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 Hijri. The important meeting is scheduled to take place on May 17 in Karachi.
According to the official statement issued by the ministry, the moon sighting session will be held on Sunday evening, corresponding to 29 Ziqaad 1447 Hijri. The meeting venue has been confirmed as the Pakistan Meteorological Department office in Karachi.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee plays a key role in determining the beginning of Islamic months in Pakistan. The sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah moon is particularly significant because it decides the dates for Eid ul Adha and Hajj observances across the country.
Officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, religious scholars, and committee members are expected to participate in the session. Regional and zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committees will also hold meetings simultaneously in different parts of Pakistan to collect moon sighting testimonies.
Every year, the announcement regarding the Dhul-Hijjah moon receives nationwide attention as millions of Muslims prepare for Eid ul Adha celebrations, sacrificial rituals, and religious gatherings. Citizens often wait for the official confirmation before finalizing travel plans, animal purchases, and family arrangements for the religious occasion.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the final announcement regarding the sighting of the moon will be made after reviewing evidence received from across the country. Weather conditions and visibility reports from various regions will also be considered before issuing the official declaration.
If the crescent is sighted on May 17, the first day of Dhul-Hijjah will begin accordingly, setting the timeline for Eid ul Adha celebrations in Pakistan. However, the final decision will depend on verified moon sighting reports presented during the committee meeting.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s announcements are closely followed not only in Pakistan but also by overseas Pakistani communities who observe religious events according to the official decisions made by the committee.
As preparations for Eid ul Adha begin to accelerate, the upcoming moon sighting meeting is expected to remain a major topic of public interest throughout the country.
