Petition filed in IHC seeking early announcement of Shawwal moon sighting for Eid ul Fitr

ISLAMABAD: As preparations for Eid ul Fitr gather pace across the country, a citizen has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking directives for the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to make an early announcement regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon.

The petition, filed by a citizen, requests the court to issue orders to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee — the body responsible for officially announcing moon sightings in Pakistan — to ensure that the announcement of the Shawwal crescent, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid ul Fitr, is made in a timely and early manner.

Background on moon sighting in Pakistan

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee plays a pivotal role in Pakistan's religious calendar, as it is tasked with the official sighting and announcement of the new moon that determines the start and end of Islamic months, including Ramadan and Shawwal. The committee's decisions directly impact when the nation celebrates Eid ul Fitr, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims.

The filing of the petition in the Islamabad High Court highlights ongoing public concerns regarding the timeliness of moon sighting announcements. Delays in such announcements have historically caused confusion and inconvenience among citizens who rely on the committee's decision to finalise their Eid plans, including travel arrangements and festive preparations.

Petition seeks court intervention

The petitioner has approached the IHC seeking judicial intervention to ensure that the process of announcing the Shawwal moon sighting is carried out promptly. The move comes at a time when citizens across Pakistan are already making preparations for Eid ul Fitr celebrations, and timely information about the exact date of the festival remains a key concern for the public.

The petition underscores the importance of an early and clear announcement so that citizens, businesses, and government institutions can plan accordingly for the Eid holidays. The matter is now before the Islamabad High Court, which will decide whether to take up the petition and issue any directives to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

Eid ul Fitr is celebrated at the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and its date is determined by the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. The festival is marked by special prayers, family gatherings, and celebrations across the country.