The Day of Arafah (Youm-e-Arafah) is expected to fall on Saturday, 15 May 2027 in Pakistan, marking the climax of Hajj and the day before Eid ul Adha. Here’s everything Pakistani Muslims need to know — from the expected date and Ruet-e-Hilal moon sighting process to fasting virtues, recommended duas, and the Eid ul Adha public holiday schedule.
When Is the Day of Arafah 2027 in Pakistan?
The Day of Arafah — 9 Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH — is expected on Saturday, 15 May 2027. Eid ul Adha would then fall on Sunday, 16 May 2027.
These dates are based on astronomical calculations and remain tentative until confirmed by Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after the Dhul Hijjah crescent is sighted. If the moon is not visible on the expected evening, Dhul Qadah completes 30 days — pushing the Day of Arafah to Sunday, 16 May and Eid ul Adha to Monday, 17 May 2027.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| 1 Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH | Friday, 7 May 2027 |
| Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah) | Saturday, 15 May 2027 |
| Eid ul Adha (10 Dhul Hijjah) | Sunday, 16 May 2027 |
| Eid holiday (last day) | Tuesday, 18 May 2027 |
Moon Sighting and Date Confirmation
Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, officially declares the start of each Islamic month based on local moon sighting — not the Saudi announcement.
The committee meets on the 29th of Dhul Qadah to observe the crescent. Zonal committees across the country collect eyewitness testimonies and report to the central body in Islamabad. Since Pakistan relies on local sighting, its date can differ from Saudi Arabia’s by a day — so always wait for the official announcement. Bangladesh follows a similar local sighting process and may also observe the Day of Arafah on a different date.
For the latest crescent sighting updates, follow our Dhul Hijjah moon sighting tracker.
What Is the Day of Arafah?
The Day of Arafah is the most sacred day in the Islamic calendar. On this day, Hajj pilgrims gather on the Plain of Arafat near Makkah for Wuquf (standing) — the central pillar of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Hajj is Arafah,” meaning the pilgrimage is incomplete without standing at Arafat. It was here that the Prophet delivered his Farewell Sermon, and where the Quranic verse was revealed: “This day I have perfected your religion for you” (Quran 5:3).
It is also the day on which Allah frees the most people from the Hellfire. The Prophet said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.”
For Muslims not performing Hajj, it is a day of fasting, supplication, and seeking forgiveness. For a deeper look at the day’s rituals and traditions, read our complete Day of Arafah guide.
Fasting on the Day of Arafah
Fasting on the Day of Arafah is a confirmed Sunnah for Muslims who are not performing Hajj. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that this fast expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year (Sahih Muslim 1162b).
In Pakistan, the Arafah fast (roza) would be observed on Saturday, 15 May 2027, subject to the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s moon sighting confirmation.
Key Points About the Fast
- The fast is recommended (mustahabb), not obligatory
- It applies only to non-pilgrims — those performing Hajj should not fast on this day
- The expiation covers minor sins; major sins require sincere repentance (tawbah)
Recommended Acts of Worship
Beyond fasting, the Day of Arafah is one of the best days for dua (supplication) and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). The Prophet said the best supplication is that made on the Day of Arafah.
Muslims are encouraged to recite: “La ilaha ill-Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shay’in qadir” (There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner; to Him belongs sovereignty and praise, and He has power over all things).
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the most blessed days of the year. For fasting schedules and worship guidance during this period, read our Dhul Hijjah guide.
Eid ul Adha 2027 Holiday in Pakistan
Eid ul Adha (also called Eid ul Azha or Bakra Eid) follows the Day of Arafah and is expected on Sunday, 16 May 2027 in Pakistan.
Public Holiday Schedule
Pakistan’s federal government typically declares three consecutive gazetted holidays for Eid ul Adha, covering 10th, 11th, and 12th Dhul Hijjah. The Day of Arafah itself is not a separate public holiday, though many Muslims take the day off for fasting.
The official notification from the Cabinet Division is usually issued in January each year. For 2027:
- Government offices, banks, and schools close for all three Eid days
- With Eid falling on a Sunday, the combined break could stretch to four or five consecutive days off
Travel Tips for the Eid Break
Domestic demand spikes during the Eid break, particularly on routes between Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. Book early to secure the best fares.
Popular international Eid destinations from Pakistan include Dubai, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, and Doha (Qatar Eid holiday guide). Airlines like PIA, Saudia, and Emirates operate frequent services from Pakistan’s major airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is the Day of Arafah 2027 in Pakistan?
The Day of Arafah is expected on Saturday, 15 May 2027 (9 Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH), subject to moon sighting confirmation by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Is the Day of Arafah a public holiday in Pakistan?
The Day of Arafah is not a separate gazetted holiday. However, the following day — Eid ul Adha — is observed as a three-day public holiday across Pakistan.
Is fasting on the Day of Arafah obligatory?
No, it is recommended (Sunnah) for Muslims not performing Hajj. The Prophet said this fast expiates the sins of the preceding and coming year.
Why might Pakistan’s Arafah date differ from Saudi Arabia’s?
Pakistan determines Islamic dates through local moon sighting by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Since the crescent may be visible in Saudi Arabia a day earlier, the dates can differ by one day.
When is Eid ul Adha 2027 in Pakistan?
Eid ul Adha is expected on Sunday, 16 May 2027, the day after the Day of Arafah. The government typically declares three public holidays for the occasion.
Sources
- IslamicFinder — Dhul Hijjah 1448 Calendar
- Sunnah.com — Sahih Muslim 1162b (Fasting on Arafah)
- IslamQA — Virtues of the Day of Arafah
- Pakistan Cabinet Division — Public and Optional Holidays
- TimeAndDate — Eid ul Adha in Pakistan
- Dawn — Government Announces Eid ul Azha Holidays
- Hijri-Calendar.com — Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH
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