The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to gather on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026, to observe the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. This annual meeting plays a crucial role in determining the end of Ramadan and the commencement of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across Pakistan. The committee’s decision will be closely watched by millions of Muslims who await official confirmation before celebrating the festival.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that the meeting will take place shortly after Asr prayers, around 5:30 pm, on the rooftop of the Kohsar Block in Islamabad. This location has traditionally served as the central point for moon sighting activities due to its clear vantage and official status. Leading the session will be Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, who chairs the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and oversees the verification process of moon sightings.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has officially declared that the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere within the kingdom. This confirmation means that the holy month of Ramadan will complete its full 30-day cycle this year. Given Saudi Arabia’s significant influence on Islamic lunar calendar decisions globally, this announcement holds considerable weight and often guides moon sighting determinations in Pakistan and other Muslim countries.
Alongside the central meeting in Islamabad, zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will simultaneously conduct their own moon sighting sessions in the provincial capitals. These regional committees play an essential role in gathering local observations and reporting their findings to the central body. The collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the moon’s visibility across different parts of the country.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has also opened communication channels for the public and local observers to report any confirmed moon sightings. Individuals can share their observations through designated contact numbers, which will be reviewed carefully before any official announcement is made. The final verdict on whether the Shawwal moon has been sighted will be declared by the committee chairman after consolidating all the information received from various sources.
This process underscores the importance of moon sighting in Islamic tradition, as it directly impacts the timing of Eid celebrations, a festival that holds deep religious and cultural significance for Muslims. The committee’s decision not only affects religious observance but also influences public holidays and social activities nationwide. As the evening approaches, anticipation builds across Pakistan, with communities eagerly awaiting the official confirmation that will mark the end of Ramadan and the joyous beginning of Shawwal.
