The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee is scheduled to meet today in Peshawar to determine the sighting of the Ramadan crescent, marking the beginning of the holy month. The meeting, chaired by Moulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, will also see zonal committees gathering at their respective headquarters to observe the moon, according to a report by state-owned Radio Pakistan.
Earlier this week, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) predicted that Ramadan would commence on March 2, with Eidul Fitr likely to fall on March 31. However, the final decision rests with the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, which will evaluate testimonies from across the country to confirm the official start of Ramadan. The unaided sighting of the crescent moon with the naked eye remains a religious obligation for determining the beginning of the holy month.
Suparco’s press release stated that the new moon for Ramadan is expected to occur on February 28 at 05:45 PST. However, the visibility of the crescent depends on factors such as the moon’s age, angular separation from the sun, altitude at sunset, and atmospheric conditions. The commission noted that the likelihood of the moon being visible on February 28 is “extremely low,” even with optical aid. As a result, the month of Sha’aban is expected to complete 30 days, with the first day of fasting likely to begin on March 2.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia is expected to observe the Ramadan crescent on February 28, leading to the start of the holy month on March 1. This discrepancy is due to differences in the moon’s position relative to the horizon and atmospheric clarity. Suparco also indicated that the Shawwal moon, marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to be visible on March 30, suggesting that Eidul Fitr will likely be celebrated on March 31 in Pakistan.
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee’s announcement will provide clarity for millions of Muslims in Pakistan as they prepare to observe the sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
