Committee to Meet Today for Shawwal Moon Sighting

News Desk 

Islamabad: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to convene today (Tuesday) in Islamabad to sight the Shawwal moon, as per an announcement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, the committee’s Chairman, will lead the meeting at the Kohsar Complex.

This moon sighting is significant as it signifies the conclusion of the holy month of fasting, Ramadan.

Based on the sighting, Muslims in the country will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr either on Wednesday (April 10) if the moon is sighted today, or on Thursday (April 11) if not.

Simultaneously, zonal and district committees will hold meetings at their respective locations on Tuesday evening after Asr prayers.

The attendees of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting include officials from the meteorology department, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Testimonies about the Shawwal moon sighting from across the country will be presented during the meeting.

Following these testimonies, Maulana Azad will make an announcement regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon in the country.

It is important to note that the government has already declared public holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr. Offices operating five days a week will observe three public holidays from April 10 to 12, while those working six days a week will enjoy four public holidays from April 10 to 13.

Moon Not Sighted in Saudi Arabia 

It’s important to note that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, as the Shawwal moon was not sighted in those regions.

Therefore, Ramadan will last for a complete 30 days in those countries, with Tuesday marking the conclusion of the holy month – the most sacred period in the Islamic calendar.

PMD’s Lunar Update

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced on Tuesday that the Shawwal crescent might be visible on Tuesday evening as the new moon was born last night at 11:21pm. According to PMD, the moon’s age would be between 19 and 20 hours in the evening.

PMD provided information regarding the birth of the new moon and its potential sighting in its statement.

The Met Office stated that the crescent could be visible for 50 minutes after sunset. PMD also noted that the sky in the southern regions of the country was anticipated to remain clear, while in the northern areas, there might be cloudy conditions.