KARACHI: As Ramadan approaches its conclusion, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has scheduled a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday (April 9) to sight the moon for Eid ul Fitr 2024.
As per a statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, the committee’s Chairman, will lead the meeting at the Kohsar Complex to mark the commencement of Eid ul Fitr after moon sighting.
The sighting of the moon will signify the conclusion of the fasting month, indicating that Eid ul Fitr will be observed on Wednesday (April 10) across the country. Should the Shawwal moon remain unseen on Tuesday, Eid celebrations will be deferred to Thursday.
Additionally, concurrent meetings of zonal and district committees will convene at their designated locations following Asr prayers on Tuesday.
Alongside the members of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, representatives from the meteorology department, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), and the Ministry of Science and Technology will be present.
Testimonies regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon will be received during the meeting, after which Maulana Azad will declare whether the moon has been sighted in the country.
It’s noteworthy that the government has already declared public holidays for Eid ul Fitr, with offices operating five days a week observing three public holidays from April 10 to 12, and those operating six days receiving four public holidays from April 10 to 13.
The Met Office indicated on Monday that there is a high likelihood of Eid ul Fitr falling on April 10, as the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted on April 9.
According to the PMD, the crescent will be born on April 8 at 11:21 pm, and it will be approximately 19 to 20 hours old the following day around Maghrib prayer time. The crescent is anticipated to be visible for over 50 minutes around sunset.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
