Eid Al-Adha 2025: Crescent Moon Sighted In Pakistan For Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH; India & Bangladesh Await Sighting - Check Bakrid Dates In South Asia

Mumbai, May 28: The crescent moon for the start of Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH has been sighted in Pakistan on Wednesday (May 28). However, Muslims in India and Bangladesh are awaiting the sighting of the crescent moon.

As the Islamic world prepares for one of its most sacred observances, the crescent moon that signals the start of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar has been sighted in several countries, setting the stage for the Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid al-Adha 2025.

Muslims across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and neighbouring countries are preparing to observe the sky tonight after Maghrib (sunset) prayers, in hopes of sighting the new moon.

If the moon is sighted this evening, Dhul-Hijjah will commence on Thursday (May 29), leading to Eid-ul-Adha celebrations on Saturday (June 7). However, if the crescent remains unseen, the current month of Dhul Qadah will complete 30 days and Dhul-Hijjah will begin on Friday (May 30) pushing Bakrid to Sunday (June 8).

Dhul Hijjah Confirmed In Gulf And Western Countries

Saudi Arabia, along with neighbouring Gulf countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, has officially declared the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah moon on Tuesday (May 27). Following their lead, countries including Jordan, Iraq, Syria as well as communities in the UK, US, Canada and France have also confirmed the same.

With the lunar month beginning on Wednesday (May 28), these countries will observe Arafat Day (Youmul Hajj) on Thursday (June 5) and Bakri Eid on Friday (June 6).

The confirmation aligns with the Hajj pilgrimage schedule, as millions of Muslims prepare to gather in Mecca to fulfill one of Islam’s five pillars. It is mandatory to perform Hajj once in a lifetime for those physically and financially able.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Eid-ul-Adha which is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. The festival is marked by special prayers, the sacrifice of animals (Qurbani) and distribution of meat among family, friends and the needy.

This year, with Eid falling on different days across regions, the diversity in lunar observations once again highlights the traditional reliance on physical moon sighting which is a practice cherished by many communities despite technological alternatives.

As the faithful await official announcements from their respective moon sighting committees tonight, a sense of devotion, anticipation and unity resonates across Muslim communities worldwide.