Zilhaj moon not sighted, Eid to fall on June 7

ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Tuesday that the moon of Zilhaj 1446 AH was not sighted across Pakistan, and as such the first day of Zilhaj will fall on Thursday, May 29, while Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated across the country on Saturday, June 7.

The announcement was made by Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Syed Abdul Khabeer Azad, following a meeting of the committee.

An official statement said the meetings of zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees were held in their respective regions, including provincial capitals. No credible moon sighting reports were received from any part of the country.

Maulana Azad said most areas across the country were overcast and no testimony regarding the sighting of the Zilhaj moon was received and therefore with consensus, it was decided that Eid-ul-Azha will be observed on June 7.

On the occasion, Maulana Azad praised the unity of the Pakistani nation in standing shoulder to shoulder with the country’s armed forces and the government during a critical phase of national defence. “We are grateful to Allah Almighty for granting us a decisive victory in this just battle,” he said. “Pakistan has made it clear that not only is its defence unbreakable, but the nation itself is growing stronger with each challenge,” he remarked.

Maulana Azad also strongly condemned terrorism and extremism, stating that such actions had no place in Islam. “Islam does not preach fear and violence.” He supported the ongoing operations against terrorism and extremism being carried out by the country’s security forces. He also expressed solidarity with Palestinians.

Meanwhile, Zilhaj crescent was sighted in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Arafat Day will fall on June 5 and Eid-ul-Azha on June 6. Moon sighting committees observed the crescent of Zilhaj across the Arab world and other countries.

Oman also announced that May 28 will mark the first day of Zilhaj and Eid-ul-Azha will be observed on June 6. Besides Pakistan, Zilhaj moon was not sighted in Sultanate of Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia and May 29 will be the first day of Zilhaj there.