Shawwal Crescent to Be Sighted Today for Eid ul Fitr

News Desk

Islamabad: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to convene today (Thursday) to sight the Shawwal moon, marking the end of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan.

The committee meeting in Islamabad will review moon sighting testimonies from across the country before announcing whether the crescent has been sighted. If confirmed, Eid ul Fitr will be observed accordingly.

While the Shawwal moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday—where Eid is expected to fall on Friday—it has already been observed in Afghanistan today. Experts indicate that the first day of Shawwal in Pakistan is more likely to be March 21 after a full 30-day Ramadan, as the chances of sighting the crescent on the evening of March 19 are low.

According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST. By sunset, the moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with only a 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt.

Eid ul Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide following the month-long fast of Ramadan, which began on February 19, 2026, in Pakistan, as announced by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad. The festival marks a time of spiritual reflection, patience, and generosity.

Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar and last either 29 or 30 days, meaning Ramadan shifts approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

The timing of Eid ul Fitr is determined by the actual sighting of the crescent moon, making today’s observation crucial for the upcoming celebrations in Pakistan.

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