The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting today in Islamabad to observe and verify the sighting of the Shawwal moon, which signals the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid ul Fitr. This annual gathering is a significant event for the Muslim community in Pakistan, as it officially determines the end of fasting and the commencement of Eid celebrations nationwide.
During the session, committee members will carefully examine eyewitness reports and testimonies submitted from various parts of the country. These accounts play a vital role in confirming whether the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal has been spotted. Once the committee reaches a consensus, an official announcement will be made to inform the public about the exact date for Eid ul Fitr observance in Pakistan.
It is important to highlight that the Shawwal crescent was not visible in Saudi Arabia yesterday, Wednesday, where Eid is expected to be celebrated on Friday. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has already commenced Eid ul Fitr festivities today, reflecting the regional differences in moon sightings. Experts suggest that in Pakistan, the first day of Shawwal is more likely to fall on March 21, following a full 30-day cycle of Ramadan fasting. The possibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent on the evening of March 19 is considered low due to astronomical factors.
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) provided detailed calculations on Wednesday, stating that the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is anticipated to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time (PST). At sunset on the same day, the moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with only a 28-minute window between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions, making the crescent difficult to observe.
The arrival of Eid ul Fitr holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. After fasting for an entire month during Ramadan—a period dedicated to patience, self-restraint, and charitable acts—over a billion believers come together to celebrate this joyous occasion. In Pakistan, the first fast of Ramadan 2026 began on February 19, following the crescent moon sighting announced by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.
Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar and last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s visibility. This lunar system causes the timing of Ramadan and Eid to shift approximately 10 days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. As the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan’s start and end dates vary annually, underscoring the importance of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s role in moon sighting to maintain religious observance accuracy.
