ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to gather in Peshawar on the evening of February 28 (Friday) to look for the Ramadan crescent moon. If the moon is sighted, the holy month of fasting will begin on March 1 (Saturday).
Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, the committee’s chairman, will lead the meeting, which will begin after the Asr prayer.
Additionally, various zonal committees across the country will meet in their respective areas to gather and evaluate moon sighting reports.
Clerics from all schools of thought will attend the central meeting to confirm the start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
During Ramadan, millions of Pakistanis, along with billions of Muslims worldwide, will observe fasting from dawn to dusk. The fasting hours can range between 12 to 17 hours, depending on the geographical location.
Earlier this week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) indicated that the first day of fasting is likely to fall on March 2. This prediction comes as the department expects the new moon to appear on the evening of February 28 at 5:45 pm, increasing the likelihood of the crescent being sighted on March 1.
Furthermore, an astronomy center in Abu Dhabi, UAE, stated that the holy month of Ramadan is anticipated to begin on March 1. According to the International Astronomical Centre (IAC), many Muslim countries will attempt to observe the new crescent moon on February 28, and some Arab nations may spot the moon on the same day.
Ramadan in Pakistan is marked by a surge in charity and public food drives, with roadside stalls set up to offer food to those returning home after evening prayers. The month also sees an uptick in business activities, especially as people shop in preparation for Eid ul Fitr.
