Ramazan moon sighted in Karachi on Monday. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD AZEEM/EXPRESS
“In most parts of the country, including Karachi and Islamabad, a clear sighting of moon has been witnessed,” Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Mufti Munibur Rehman announced on Monday.
“With consensus we are announcing the moon has been sighted and first of Ramazan will be on Tuesday, June 7.”
Express News Screen GrabThe crescent was sighted in various parts of the country – including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, among other countries marked the first of Ramazan on Monday.
Last week, more than 50 muftis issued a fatwa against Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai of Masjid Qasim Ali Khan, saying he always announced the start of Ramazan and Eid celebrations a day before the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee.
Welcoming the holy month: Celebrities, politicians send Ramazan greetings
The muftis, including Muhammad Imran Hanfi, Mufti Muhammad Hasib Qadri, Mufti Pir Syd Karamat Ali and Mufti Muhammad Abdul Sattar Saeedi, issued the fatwa on the request of Muhammad Ziaul Haq, head of Ittehad Ummat Islamic Centre.
They said Popalzai’s actions were unethical, illegal and violative of sharia. They said observing the fast or celebrating Eid based on Popalzai’s announcements was a violation of sharia.
In the presence of the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, announcing the start of Ramazan or Eid celebrations separately in Peshawar amounted to interference in state affairs, added the clerics.
PM felicitates nation on Ramazan
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has felicitated the nation on Ramazan moon's sighting, calling upon them to remember praying for a better, developing country in this blessed month.
The premier assured the nation he will be among them soon, saying his heart beats with the nation even though he was away.
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