The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has officially announced that the Ramadan moon has not been sighted in Pakistan, meaning that the first fast (Roza) will be observed on Sunday, March 2. The announcement came after a meeting of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee held at Auqaf Hall in Peshawar, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khyber Azad.
Official Announcement by Ruet-e-Hilal Committee
After the meeting, Chairman Maulana Abdul Khyber Azad addressed a press conference, stating:
- No authentic reports of moon sighting were received from anywhere in the country.
- Zonal committees across Pakistan also confirmed that they had not sighted the Ramadan moon.
- Based on these findings, Ramadan will begin on Sunday, March 2.
The decision aligns with predictions made by Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, which earlier stated that the likelihood of sighting the moon on this date was extremely low.
Scientific Insights: Why Was the Moon Not Visible?
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) provided a scientific explanation for the moon not being visible, stating:
- The Ramadan moon was born at 5:44 AM on the same day.
- For a new moon to be visible, it needs to be at least 16 to 18 hours old.
- Since the moon had not reached the required age, it was impossible to spot in Pakistan’s skies.
Shawwal Moon Sighting and Expected Eid Date
While Ramadan is set to begin on March 2, experts have already made predictions regarding the Shawwal moon and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations:
- According to Suparco (Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission), the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted on March 30.
- If this prediction holds, Eid-ul-Fitr will likely be celebrated on Sunday, March 31.
Nationwide Observations on the Moon Sighting
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision was in line with reports from various zonal committees across Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, and other cities, all of which confirmed no moon sighting.
Religious scholars and officials emphasized the importance of unity in following the official moon sighting decisions, ensuring that Ramadan fasting starts simultaneously across the country.
Public Reactions and Religious Significance
The announcement sparked mixed reactions among the public. Many were eagerly awaiting the sighting of the Ramadan moon, as the holy month is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Despite the delay in starting Ramadan, Muslims across Pakistan are preparing to observe the month with spiritual devotion.
Ramadan holds immense religious significance, as it is the month in which:
- The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Muslims engage in fasting from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and sinful behavior.
- The Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), the holiest night in Islam, is observed.
Preparations for Ramadan in Pakistan
With Ramadan confirmed to begin on March 2, preparations are in full swing across the country.
- Markets are witnessing increased activity, with people buying essentials for Sehri and Iftar.
- Mosques are preparing for Taraweeh prayers, which will begin on the night of March 1.
- Charitable activities are ramping up, with organizations setting up free Iftar distribution points.
A Month of Blessings Ahead
Though the Ramadan moon was not sighted on this occasion, the anticipation and excitement for the holy month remain high. With Ramadan beginning on March 2, Muslims across Pakistan will soon embark on a month of worship, fasting, and self-reflection.
As preparations continue, the nation looks forward to embracing the spiritual and communal aspects of Ramadan, leading up to the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, expected on March 31.
