Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet in Peshawar today for Ramadan moon sighting

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to convene today in Peshawar to observe the crescent moon, marking the potential commencement of Ramadan 1446 AH. The meeting, led by Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, will begin after Asr prayers at 6:30 PM at the Auqaf Department building on Eidgah Charsadda Road. This initiative aims to achieve a unified start to Ramadan across Pakistan, addressing historical regional disparities in moon sighting.

Zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will also hold simultaneous sessions in their respective areas to collect and evaluate moon sighting reports. The final decision regarding the sighting will be based on consolidated evidence from all regions, ensuring nationwide consensus.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that the new moon is expected to be born today at 5:45 PM. However, due to anticipated partly cloudy conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, the likelihood of sighting the crescent this evening is low. Consequently, if the moon remains unseen today, it is expected to be visible tomorrow, March 1, making Sunday, March 2, the first day of fasting in Pakistan.

In contrast, astronomical centers in the United Arab Emirates have forecasted that Ramadan is expected to begin on March 1 in several Arab countries, with many Muslim nations attempting to sight the moon today.

The federal government's decision to hold the central meeting in Peshawar underscores efforts to harmonize the observance of Ramadan throughout the country. Historically, differing moon sighting reports have led to variations in the start of Ramadan and Eid celebrations, particularly between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces. By convening the committee in Peshawar, authorities aim to foster consensus among religious scholars and ensure a synchronized commencement of the holy month.

As the nation awaits the committee's official announcement, preparations for Ramadan are underway. In Lahore, for instance, the district administration has established ten model bazaars to provide essential commodities at subsidized rates during the holy month. These markets will offer fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, spices, and meat products, with dedicated counters for women and senior citizens to facilitate convenient shopping.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period dedicated to fasting, prayer, and charitable acts. Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, focusing on spiritual growth and community service. The month culminates in Eid ul-Fitr, a festival marking the end of fasting, characterized by communal prayers, feasts, and acts of charity.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee's announcement will be pivotal in determining the exact start of Ramadan in Pakistan. Citizens are encouraged to await the official declaration and prepare for the holy month in accordance with the committee's guidance.

For the latest updates on the moon sighting and the commencement of Ramadan, stay tuned to reputable news sources and official announcements from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.