Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meets today for sighting of Zil Hajj moon

ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will gather at the Pakistan Meteorology Department’s Karachi office on Monday (today) for the sighting of Zil Hajj moon, marking the beginning of the auspicious month.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting will be chaired by Abdul Khabir Azad. Officials and experts from the Pakistan Meteorology Department, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and members of the Ruet committee will also witness the moon sighting.

Anticipation fills the air as the nation eagerly awaits the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon, which will determine the official commencement date for Eidul Azha.

The Met Office has indicated that there was a high possibility of the first day of Zil Hajj falling on June 20 in Pakistan. The birth of the Zil Hajj moon is projected to occur tonight precisely at 9:37 pm.

In Saudi Arabia, the Zil Hajj moon has already been sighted. According to reports from the Saudi News Agency, Eidul Azha will be celebrated in the Kingdom on June 28. The sighting in Saudi Arabia holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, as it helps establish a unified calendar for the global Islamic community.

The annual Islamic festival commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God’s command. It serves as a reminder of the values of faith, sacrifice and compassion.

During Eidul Azha, Muslims offer special prayer and perform the symbolic animal sacrifice, and share the meat with family, friends and those in need. The festival fosters a sense of unity, generosity, and community spirit.