Eid Celebrations Near as Zilhaj Moon Sighting Approaches

The Ruet-i-Hilal Committee is set to meet in Islamabad on May 27 to sight the Zilhaj moon, with Eidul Azha likely to be celebrated across Pakistan on June 7, marking the culmination of Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Eidul Azha is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, celebrated on the 10th of Zilhaj, and this year, the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is expected to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025. The pilgrimage is a spiritual journey that transcends distance, language, and background, and is an obligation for every financially and physically able Muslim to perform at least once in a lifetime.

The Saudi government has made elaborate arrangements to welcome pilgrims, including high-tech immigration processes and multilingual support staff. The Grand Mosque in Mecca has been expanded to accommodate up to 203,000 worshippers, and the Mataf can host up to 107,000 pilgrims per hour. Safety is a top priority, with strict penalties for performing Hajj without a valid permit.

As millions prepare for this sacred experience, many are also planning their Eid holidays, with travel deals starting from Dh1,999 to visa-free destinations like CIS countries, Kenya, and Egypt. The UAE Cabinet has announced a 4-day Eid holiday, and residents are booking holidays and short getaways, with a preference for longer trips and better preparedness for Schengen visa appointments.

The message of Hajj remains timeless, emphasizing the unity of faith, the importance of humility, and the profound peace that comes from worship. As the world prepares to celebrate Eidul Azha, the spirit of this sacred occasion is a reminder of the values that bring us together, regardless of distance, language, or background.