PESHAWAR : The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is set to meet in Peshawar today for the crucial sighting of the Ramadan crescent, which will determine the start of the holy month of fasting in Pakistan.
According to a spokesperson for the SPARC, the first fast in the country is likely to be observed on Thursday, February 19. The spokesperson explained that the astronomical birth of the new moon has already taken place. At sunset today, the moon’s age will be approximately 25 hours and 48 minutes, making it highly likely to be visible to the naked eye.
The final and official announcement regarding the sighting of the Ramadan moon will be made by the Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, following the meeting and receipt of evidence from across the country.
It is worth noting that today marks the first day of Ramadan for several nations, including Saudi Arabia. The first Taraweeh prayers of the year were offered last night in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, at Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi respectively. Thousands of pilgrims and worshippers were seen gathered in a deeply spiritual atmosphere, prostrating before Allah, offering thanks, and seeking forgiveness for the holy month.
Meanwhile, the Muslim community in Britain and Europe finds itself divided on the start of Ramadan this year as well. Those who follow the lunar calendar-based predictions will observe their first fast today, while communities that rely on local moon sighting (Ruet) will begin their fasting on Thursday.
