Pakistan is set to celebrate Eid ul Fitr on Saturday, March 21, after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (RHC) announced that no credible sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon was reported from anywhere in the country. This formal declaration was made by the RHC Chairman, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, during a press briefing held in Islamabad. The decision confirms that Ramadan will complete its full 30-day cycle this year, with Eid festivities commencing the following day.
The Islamic lunar calendar, which governs the timing of Ramadan and Eid, relies heavily on the visual confirmation of the new crescent moon to mark the beginning of each month. Since lunar months last either 29 or 30 days, the exact Gregorian dates for Ramadan and Eid shift annually. This year, the absence of a confirmed moon sighting means that the holy month of fasting extended to its maximum duration, culminating in Eid celebrations on Saturday.
In a detailed update, the RHC’s zonal committee based in Peshawar reported receiving multiple testimonies regarding the crescent moon’s visibility. Specifically, the committee documented six accounts: five were submitted via telephone, while one eyewitness appeared in person to present their observation. All these reports were forwarded to the central committee for thorough verification. The RHC adheres to stringent Shariah-compliant criteria when evaluating moon sighting claims, ensuring that announcements are made only after careful scrutiny of all evidence.
From a scientific perspective, meteorologists provided insights into why the moon was not visible on the expected date. In Islamabad, the sun set at 6:22 pm, while the earliest possible time for moon visibility was calculated to be 6:51 pm. However, for the crescent to be visible to the naked eye, it must be at least 19 hours and 20 minutes old. On this occasion, the moon’s age was only 12 hours and 23 minutes, making its sighting nearly impossible anywhere in Pakistan. The moon’s position was estimated at an angle of 271.36 degrees, but this was insufficient for a clear sighting.
Meanwhile, Eid ul Fitr will also be observed in neighboring India on Saturday. Clerics in cities such as Lucknow and Hyderabad reported no confirmed sightings of the Shawwal moon, aligning with Pakistan’s decision. However, the prominent Jama Masjid in Delhi has yet to issue an official announcement regarding the Eid date. Similarly, Indonesia has declared Eid for Saturday after the moon was not sighted there either.
It is worth noting that Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, had already celebrated Eid on Friday, following the absence of the Shawwal crescent moon sighting on Wednesday. Conversely, Afghanistan observed Eid today, highlighting the regional variations in moon sighting and Eid celebrations. The sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon remains a deeply significant religious event, marking the end of Ramadan, one of Islam’s five pillars.
During Ramadan, Muslims worldwide engage in fasting from dawn to sunset, spiritual reflection, and charitable giving, especially to support the less fortunate. This year, however, the festive atmosphere has been somewhat subdued due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The war, triggered by attacks involving the US, Israel, and Iran, has led to a series of retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region. Ballistic missiles and drone attacks have targeted airports, residential neighborhoods, energy facilities, and military installations, casting a shadow over Ramadan celebrations in many Muslim-majority countries.
As Pakistan prepares to welcome Eid ul Fitr on Saturday, families and communities are gearing up for the traditional prayers, feasts, and acts of charity that define this joyous occasion. The announcement by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee ensures a unified observance across the country, reinforcing the importance of moon sighting in Islamic tradition and the collective spirit of Eid.
