Srinagar — Sunday evening brought welcome news for Muslims across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah — one of Islam’s holiest months — was sighted after sunset, and the Grand Mufti wasted no time in making the official declaration.
Eid-ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. And in a moment that carries deep emotional significance, this date falls in perfect alignment with Pakistan and other Muslim communities across the region — a shared celebration that no political boundary can interrupt.
The Official Announcement
According to Beyond Time News, IIOJK Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam confirmed that credible moon sighting testimonies poured in from several different areas across the territory on Sunday evening — corresponding to the 29th of Dhul Qa’dah, 1447 AH.
After thorough verification of those testimonies, the Grand Mufti officially declared two things:
- Monday, May 18, 2026 — First day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026 — Eid-ul-Adha
This was not a hasty call. The announcement followed the time-honoured Islamic tradition of carefully confirming moon sighting reports before making any declaration — a process that ensures both religious accuracy and public trust.
Reports Came in From Across IIOJK
One of the strongest indicators of a valid moon sighting is how widespread the reports are. According to Beyond Time News, the Grand Mufti noted that testimonies were received from multiple parts of IIOJK — not a single isolated location, but a broad geographic spread of confirmed sightings.
This wide coverage significantly strengthens the credibility of the announcement and reflects the organised, region-wide approach that IIOJK’s religious authorities take during key Islamic months.
A Dedicated Moon-Sighting Body
Many people may not realise that IIOJK has its own fully operational Ruet-e-Hilal committee — a formal religious body dedicated specifically to crescent moon sighting during important Islamic months.
According to Beyond Time News, the Grand Mufti highlighted that this committee does not work in isolation. It actively coordinates with religious scholars, local committees, and community representatives spread across the entire region, ensuring that no sighting report goes unheard and that every decision is made on a solid, well-verified foundation.
It is a system that reflects both religious responsibility and organisational discipline — and it worked exactly as intended on Sunday evening.
United Across Borders — Same Moon, Same Day
There is something quietly powerful about the fact that Muslims in IIOJK and Pakistan will be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha on the very same day.
Political realities and geographic boundaries may separate these communities in many ways, but when the crescent moon rises and the call to prayer echoes across the region, those divisions fade. On May 27, families on both sides will be dressed for the occasion, standing shoulder to shoulder in prayer, performing Qurbani, and sharing meals with neighbours and loved ones.
It is a reminder that the bonds of faith run deeper than borders ever could.
Why Dhul Hijjah Is So Special
For those who may want a little more context, Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar — and it holds a place of immense reverence in the Muslim faith.
This is the month of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that draws millions of Muslims from every corner of the world. Performing Hajj at least once in a lifetime is one of the five pillars of Islam, and Dhul Hijjah is when that spiritual journey reaches its peak.
But you do not have to be in Makkah to benefit from this month. Islamic teachings place enormous value on the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, describing them as among the most blessed days of the entire year. Acts of worship, fasting, giving in charity, and sincere remembrance of Allah during these days carry a reward unlike any other time.
The month then culminates in Eid-ul-Adha on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah — a day that commemorates the extraordinary obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son in submission to Allah’s command. In His infinite mercy, Allah replaced the sacrifice with a ram. Muslims honour this act every year through the ritual of Qurbani — the sacrifice of livestock — and by sharing that meat with family, neighbours, and those who cannot afford it themselves.
Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Meets in Karachi for Zil Hajj Moon Sighting
Make the Most of These Ten Blessed Days
With Dhul Hijjah beginning on May 18, Muslims now have a precious window of ten days before Eid arrives. These days are not just a countdown — they are an opportunity.
Here is how to make the most of them:
Fast on the Day of Arafah — May 26. The 9th of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, is one of the single most significant days in the Islamic year. It is the day when pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafah during Hajj. For those not performing Hajj, fasting on this day is highly recommended — Islamic tradition holds that it expiates sins of the previous and coming year.
Increase your remembrance of Allah. Takbeer — saying Allahu Akbar, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah — is especially encouraged during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Make it a habit throughout the day, not just during formal prayers.
Give generously in charity. Good deeds are multiplied during this period. Even a small act of kindness or financial support to those in need carries exceptional weight during these days.
Arrange your Qurbani in advance. If you are planning to perform the sacrifice on Eid, make arrangements now so everything is in place well before May 27.
Final Thoughts
The sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon in IIOJK is a moment of genuine joy — a spiritual signal that one of the most beloved seasons in the Islamic year has arrived. For Muslims across the region, the countdown to Eid-ul-Adha on May 27 has officially begun.
May these ten blessed days bring peace, reflection, and closeness to Allah for every Muslim in IIOJK, across Pakistan, and around the world. And may Eid-ul-Adha 2026 be a day filled with gratitude, generosity, and togetherness for every family celebrating.
