Every year, people in Pakistan eagerly wait for the announcement of Ramadan’s start and Eid-ul-Fitr. There is always confusion as different groups make different claims about the exact date of Eid.
Now, a new prediction has been made regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon in Pakistan. According to Khalid Ijaz Mufti, Secretary General of the non-governmental Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, the Shawwal moon is expected to be visible on March 30, making Eid-ul-Fitr likely on March 31.
Scientific Details of the Moon Sighting
Khalid Ijaz Mufti explained that the new moon of Shawwal will be born on March 29 at 3:58 PM Pakistan Standard Time. According to astronomical principles, a moon must be at least 18 hours old and there should be a gap of at least 40 minutes between sunset and moonset for it to be visible.
On the evening of March 30 (29th Ramadan), the moon’s age will be over 26 hours in all parts of Pakistan. The sunset-to-moonset gap will be:
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Karachi: 69 minutes
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Gwadar: 71 minutes
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Quetta & Lahore: 74 minutes
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Islamabad: 76 minutes
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Peshawar & Muzaffarabad: 77 minutes
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Gilgit: 78 minutes
Since this gap is much greater than the required 40 minutes, if the weather is clear, the moon will be easily visible on March 30, confirming Eid on March 31 (Monday).
Why Does the Moon Look Thicker Sometimes?
Often, people raise questions on social media when the moon appears thicker than expected, assuming that one fast was missed. Khalid Ijaz Mufti clarified that if the moon had been sighted on March 29, it would have been too young to be visible. However, when the moon is sighted a day later, it appears brighter and thicker due to its increased age. This creates an illusion that it is a two-day-old moon.
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Moon Sighting Controversies & Different Methods
Despite scientific data, moon sighting remains a controversial issue in Pakistan. Khalid Ijaz Mufti explained that most Islamic months start on the same day worldwide, but Ramadan and Shawwal often cause differences.
He further noted that Saudi Arabia follows a different method. The Saudi moon sighting committee considers a new moon as “seen” even if it sets just one minute after sunset. Due to this, some regions in Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan, announce the moon sighting earlier in line with Saudi Arabia.
Final Decision by Ruet-e-Hilal Committee
Khalid Ijaz Mufti emphasized that Eid and fasting should be based on actual moon sighting. It is impossible for the moon to be seen in Peshawar but not in Karachi, Lahore, or Quetta, as these cities generally have clearer skies.
He concluded that, based on scientific and astronomical data, the Shawwal moon is highly likely to be visible on March 30, leading to Eid on March 31. However, the final announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, and people should follow their decision.
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