The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to gather on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026, to conduct the traditional moon sighting for the month of Shawwal. This annual meeting holds significant religious importance as it determines the conclusion of Ramadan and the commencement of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across Pakistan. The committee’s session will take place shortly after Asr prayers, around 5:30 pm, atop the rooftop of the Kohsar Block in Islamabad, the designated venue for this crucial event.
Leading the proceedings will be Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, who will preside over the meeting as the chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. His role is pivotal in coordinating the verification process and ensuring that all reports regarding moon sightings are thoroughly evaluated before a final decision is announced. The timing of this meeting is particularly noteworthy, as it follows the recent declaration by Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court, which confirmed that the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere within the kingdom. This confirmation implies that Ramadan will be observed for a full 30 days this year, a development closely monitored by Muslim communities worldwide.
In addition to the central gathering in Islamabad, simultaneous zonal meetings of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will be held in the provincial capitals. These regional committees play an essential role in gathering local moon sighting reports from various parts of the country. Their observations and testimonies are then relayed to the central committee to assist in making an informed and unified decision. This decentralized approach ensures that the moon sighting process is comprehensive and inclusive of Pakistan’s diverse geographic locations.
Members of the public and observers who may witness the moon are encouraged to report their sightings promptly. The committee has made available specific contact numbers through which such information can be communicated. This system allows for real-time updates and helps the committee verify claims before issuing an official announcement. The final verdict regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon will be declared by the chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after careful consideration of all gathered evidence.
It is important to highlight that the moon sighting tradition holds deep religious and cultural significance in Pakistan, marking the end of the fasting month and the beginning of joyous festivities. The committee’s decision not only affects religious observances but also impacts social and economic activities nationwide. As the nation awaits the official announcement, communities prepare for Eid celebrations, hopeful for a timely and clear declaration from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
