Astronomers in Pakistan and the UAE have predicted differing dates for Eid ul Adha 2025 due to variations in the expected sighting of the Zil Hajj moon. In Pakistan, astronomer Dr. Faheem Hashmi stated that the new moon will not be visible on May 27 as it will only be 11 hours old at sunset, making sighting impossible. Instead, the crescent is expected to be seen on May 28, with the moon over 35 hours old, increasing visibility chances. As a result, Eid ul Adha in Pakistan is likely to fall on June 7.
Meanwhile, the Emirates Astronomy Society forecasts that the Zil Hajj moon will be visible in the UAE on May 27, making May 28 the first day of the month and Eid ul Adha on June 6. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, confirmed that the crescent will appear at 7:02 AM UAE time on May 27 and remain visible for about 38 minutes after sunset, facilitating its sighting.
The final decision in Pakistan will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will meet on May 27 to confirm the moon sighting. If the moon is seen that evening, Eid will be celebrated on June 6; otherwise, it will be observed on June 7. The UAE has already marked public holidays from the 9th to the 12th of Zil Hajj (June 5–8, 2025).
Eid ul Adha, the “Feast of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to God and is marked by prayers, family gatherings, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock, with meat distributed to the needy. The festival underscores themes of faith, charity, and community in the Islamic tradition.
ٓAlso read: Eid gifts distributed among orphans in Shangla
