When Will Pakistan Celebrate Eid ul Fitr?
News Desk
Islamabad: A 30-day Ramadan appears increasingly likely this year after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) indicated that the Shawwal crescent is unlikely to be visible on March 19, pushing the expected date of Eid ul Fitr to March 21.
In its latest advisory, the Met Office said there is a strong probability that the new moon will be sighted on March 20, making Saturday, March 21, the most probable day for Eid celebrations across the country.
The final announcement, however, will be made by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee following testimonies and verification of moon sighting reports.
If the crescent is not sighted on March 19 as forecast, Muslims in Pakistan will complete 30 days of fasting before marking Eid.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/how-much-is-sadqa-e-fitr-set-at-this-year/
The department’s projection carries added weight this year after its earlier forecast regarding the Ramadan moon proved accurate.
Ahead of the holy month, the PMD had predicted favourable crescent visibility conditions in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Peshawar, due to clear skies in the plains.
The Ramadan moon was subsequently sighted on February 18 (29th of Shaban), and the first fast was observed on February 19 following the central committee’s confirmation.
Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar — approximately 10 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan shifts earlier each year on the solar calendar.
With the final Ashra of Ramadan underway, attention now turns to the skies once again, as citizens await the official word that will determine the conclusion of the fasting month and the start of Eid festivities.
