Astronomer Javed Iqbal has forecasted a potential sighting of the Zill-Hajj moon in Pakistan, marking the beginning of Eid-ul-Adha preparations.
According to Iqbal, the moon is expected to be visible on June 7, around sunset, approximately 26 hours and 45 minutes after its emergence on June 6, satisfying the minimum visibility criterion of 19 hours.
“The moon should be observable for about 15 minutes after sunset on Friday,” added Iqbal.
Based on these observations, it is anticipated that Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on Monday, June 17.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is set to meet in Karachi at the Meteorological Department office this Friday to confirm the moon sighting officially. The meeting will be presided over by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
Eid-ul-Adha, also revered as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. This significant Islamic festival involves the ritual slaughtering of animals, with the meat shared among family, friends, and the less fortunate, continuing over three days of Eid festivities.