The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, under the leadership of Azad, is set to meet this evening (Friday) in Peshawar to observe the Ramadan crescent, which will mark the beginning of the holy month. This significant event plays a crucial role in determining the start of fasting for millions of Muslims across Pakistan.
Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will also hold separate meetings at their respective headquarters to assess the sighting of the Ramadan moon. Their testimonies will be considered before making a final announcement.
“We will make our decision based on the evidence we receive. I pray that Ramadan begins on a unified day for everyone,” Azad stated during a TV program, expressing his hopes for nationwide consensus.
Azad further emphasized that the committee has never ignored scientific input in their decision-making process. “We include scholars from all sects, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and Suparco. While we take all recommendations into account, our final verdict aligns with religious teachings,” he explained.
Meteorological forecasts indicate a low probability of moon sighting today due to expected cloudy weather. The PMD has stated that the likelihood of witnessing the Ramadan crescent is minimal given the current atmospheric conditions over the next 24 hours.
“Due to cloud cover, the chances of sighting the Ramadan moon are low tomorrow,” the PMD added in its official statement. According to experts, the moon’s age at sunset will be approximately 12 hours, and its angular separation from the sun will be around five degrees, making visibility highly unlikely.
Should the crescent be sighted, the first Ramadan fast will be observed on March 1; otherwise, the holy month will commence on March 2. The central committee meeting will begin at 6:30 PM after the Asr prayer, with clerics from all schools of thought in attendance to determine the beginning of the ninth Islamic month.
It is noteworthy that Ramadan, observed with immense religious devotion and enthusiasm, sees billions of Muslims worldwide fasting from dawn to dusk. The fasting duration varies globally, ranging from 12 to 17 hours depending on geographical location, making it a spiritually significant and physically demanding practice.