The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Peshawar on February 28 to sight the Ramadan moon. If the crescent is visible, fasting will begin on March 1. The committee, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, will convene after the Asr prayer, with clerics from all schools of thought attending to confirm the start of Ramadan.
Zonal committees will also hold meetings in their regions to assess moon sighting reports.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects fasting to start on March 2, with the new moon likely appearing on February 28. An astronomical center in Abu Dhabi also predicts Ramadan will begin on March 1 for most countries.
Ramadan in Pakistan is marked by increased charity, public food drives, and shopping for Eid ul Fitr.
Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to Meet in Peshawar for Ramadan Moon Sighting on February 28
ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will gather in Peshawar on the evening of February 28 (Friday) to sight the Ramadan moon. If the crescent is visible, the holy month of fasting will commence on March 1 (Saturday).
Meeting Details:
- The committee, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, will convene after the Asr prayer.
- Clerics from all schools of thought will attend to confirm the beginning of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Zonal Committee Meetings:
- In addition to the central meeting, zonal committees will hold meetings in their respective regions to receive and evaluate moon sighting reports, as stated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Fasting Observance:
- Ramadan, observed with great religious devotion, will see millions of Pakistanis fasting from dawn to dusk, along with billions of Muslims worldwide.
- Fasting hours typically range from 12 to 17 hours, depending on geographical location.
Meteorological and Astronomical Predictions:
- Earlier this week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) projected that the first day of fasting in Pakistan would be on March 2. They indicated that the new moon is expected to be born on the evening of February 28 at 5:45 pm, raising the likelihood of moon sighting on March 1.
- An astronomy center in Abu Dhabi also predicted that Ramadan would start on March 1. The International Astronomical Centre (IAC) reported that most Muslim countries would try to observe the crescent moon on February 28, with some Arab nations possibly sighting it the same day.
Ramadan Celebrations and Impact:
- Ramadan in Pakistan is marked by an increase in charity, public food drives, and roadside stalls to assist people returning home in the evening.
- The month also sees a rise in business activities, particularly related to religious festivities and shopping in anticipation of Eid ul Fitr.
