ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has been called today to sight the Shaban moon in Pakistan. The central committee will hold its meeting in Islamabad today (Thursday) under the chairmanship of Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad.
As per the media report, Zonal committees will also meet at their respective headquarters in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar. The chairman will announce whether the moon is sighted or not.
According to astronomers, the Shaban moon was born on January 29 at 5:36 pm (local time). They predict a high chance of the moon being visible on January 30. At sunset that day, the moon will be 25 hours and 4 minutes old, and it may remain visible for 57 minutes after sunset.
Astronomers also shared predictions about Ramadan. This year, Ramadan is expected to start in March. Some countries may begin fasting on March 1, while others on March 2. In Saudi Arabia and other Gulf and Western countries, Ramadan is likely to begin on March 1.
Read More: Shaban Moon Sighted in Pakistan, Ramadan Expected in March
Eid-ul-Fitr may fall on March 30 (Sunday) or March 31 (Monday). In Pakistan, the moon is expected to be sighted on March 29 or 30, meaning Eid-ul-Fitr could be on March 30 or 31. The final announcement will be made by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is sacred for Muslims. They fast from dawn to sunset for Allah’s pleasure, and Eid-ul-Fitr is a reward for those who observe the fast.
Meteorologists also shared weather forecasts, predicting that Ramadan this year will begin at the transition from winter to spring.
Compared to previous years, the weather is expected to be cooler. In many Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Egypt, the fasting duration will be around 13 hours during the early days of Ramadan.
