The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has provided its latest forecast regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon, which determines the celebration date of Eid ul Fitr in the country. The department has indicated that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal is unlikely to be observed on the evening of March 19. Consequently, Eid ul Fitr is expected to be celebrated on March 21, which falls on a Saturday this year.
the meteorological analysis, there is a strong possibility that the Shawwal crescent will become visible on the night of March 20. This sighting is crucial as it officially signals the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. However, the final confirmation rests with the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (RHC), the authoritative body responsible for moon sighting announcements across Pakistan. Their decision will ultimately determine the exact date of Eid celebrations nationwide.
If the moon is indeed not sighted on March 19, as the PMD predicts, it means that the fasting period of Ramadan will complete a full 30 days this year. This is consistent with the Islamic lunar calendar, where months can last either 29 or 30 days depending on the moon’s visibility. The PMD’s current forecast aligns with their earlier accurate prediction concerning the Ramadan moon sighting, which adds credibility to their latest assessment.
Before the start of Ramadan, the PMD had forecasted the crescent’s visibility in certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), particularly in Peshawar and the plains of the province, where clear skies were expected. In contrast, the upper regions of KP were predicted to experience partly cloudy weather, which could have affected moon sighting efforts. Eventually, the Ramadan moon was sighted on the 29th of Shaban, corresponding to February 18, leading to the official commencement of fasting on February 19 after the central moon sighting committee’s announcement.
It is important to understand that Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar, which is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar used internationally. This lunar cycle causes the dates of Islamic months, including Ramadan, to shift each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan’s timing varies annually, and the sighting of the crescent moon plays a pivotal role in marking its beginning and end.
With the PMD’s latest forecast and the anticipated moon sighting on March 20, Pakistani Muslims are preparing to conclude their month-long fasting and celebrate Eid ul Fitr on March 21. The festival is one of the most significant religious occasions, marked by communal prayers, feasting, and charitable activities. The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s official announcement will bring clarity and allow families across the country to finalize their Eid arrangements.
