Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Gears Up for Shawwal Crescent Sighting

Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee prepares for the crucial task of sighting the Shawwal crescent on Tuesday (April 9) in Islamabad as the holy month of Ramadan nearing its end.

Under the leadership of Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, the committee will convene at the Kohsar Complex to determine the sighting of the moon, marking the conclusion of Ramadan and heralding the joyous occasion of Eid ul Fitr.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that Maulana Azad will preside over the meeting, joined by members of the committee, officials from the meteorology department, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

As per tradition, testimonies regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon will be presented during the meeting. Subsequently, Maulana Azad will announce the decision based on these testimonies, indicating whether the moon has been sighted or not.

If the moon is sighted on Tuesday, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday (April 10).

However, if the crescent remains unseen, Eid will be observed on Thursday.

Simultaneously, zonal and district committees will hold meetings across the country after Asr prayers, facilitating the moon sighting process further.

Predictions suggest favorable conditions for the Shawwal moon sighting on April 9, with the Meteorological Department forecasting strong chances.

The crescent is expected to be born on April 8 at 11:21 PM and will be approximately 19 to 20 hours old by Maghrib prayer the next day, providing observers with a window of over 50 minutes around sundown to spot it.

As the nation eagerly awaits the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the government has already announced public holidays for Eid ul Fitr.

Offices operating five days a week will observe three public holidays from April 10 to 12, while those operating six days a week will enjoy four public holidays from April 10 to 13.