Eid-ul-Fitr: Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meets tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet tomorrow on Sunday (March 30) Ramazan 29, 1446 AH), for the sighting of the Shawwal moon for Eid-ul-Fitr. 

The meeting will take place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, where religious scholars, meteorologists, and other officials will review moon sighting reports from across Pakistan to confirm the date for Eid ul Fitr celebrations.

The Islamic calendar months, including Ramadan, Eid, and Muharram, are determined by the sighting of the new moon.

SUPARCO’s PREDICTION

In an official statement, the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) provided an astronomical analysis of the Shawwal crescent’s visibility, predicting that the moon is expected to be sighted across Pakistan on March 30.

According to SUPARCO, the new moon for Shawwal 1446 Hijri will be born on March 29 at 3:58 PM (Pakistan Standard Time). However, due to its young age and positioning, it is unlikely to be visible on the same evening.

By March 30, which will mark the 29th of Ramadan in Pakistan, the crescent will be around 27 hours old, making it easily visible to the naked eye after sunset. Additional astronomical factors, including the moon’s 14-degree altitude at sunset and 2% illumination, further strengthen the chances of sighting.

The visibility of the crescent will depend on atmospheric conditions, with clear skies improving the likelihood of a successful sighting across most parts of the country.

“While scientific models strongly indicate a clear sighting on March 30, the final decision will be based on ground observations and the official announcement by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for Eid-ul-Fitr,” a SUPARCO spokesperson stated.

Since Islamic tradition requires the moon to be sighted with the naked eye to confirm the start of a new month, the committee will collect testimonies nationwide before making the official announcement.

Dry weather expected during Eid-ul-Fitr holidays