Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet today for Shawwal moon sighting

ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is set to convene on Monday to sight the crescent moon of Shawwal, which will determine the date of Eid ul Fitr and mark the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.

The meeting will be held in Islamabad, where committee members will gather to observe the new moon. The sighting of the Shawwal crescent is a significant occasion for Muslims across Pakistan, as it officially signals the end of the fasting period and the beginning of Eid ul Fitr celebrations.

Moon sighting process

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is responsible for officially declaring the sighting of the moon in Pakistan, will assess testimonies and reports from across the country before making its announcement. The committee's decision carries nationwide significance, as it determines when millions of Pakistanis will celebrate Eid ul Fitr.

The moon sighting committee meeting is a regular occurrence at the end of each Islamic month, but the Shawwal moon sighting holds particular importance given that it concludes the month of Ramadan — a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims.

Eid ul Fitr preparations

Ahead of the committee's meeting, preparations for Eid ul Fitr are already underway across the country, with markets bustling as people make last-minute purchases. The festival of Eid ul Fitr is one of the two major religious celebrations in Islam and is observed with communal prayers, family gatherings, and festive meals.

The announcement by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee following today's meeting will confirm whether Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated tomorrow or if an additional day of fasting will be observed, depending on the visibility of the new crescent moon.

Pakistan follows a traditional moon sighting method through the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which relies on physical observation of the crescent moon rather than astronomical calculations alone. The committee receives testimonies from various locations across the country before arriving at its final decision.