Eidul Fitr likely to be celebrated in Pakistan on May 3

Experts say it may be near impossible to see Shawwal moon even with a telescope on 29th of Ramazan across the country

LAHORE:

Astronomers have predicted that Eidul Fitr is likely to be celebrated on Tuesday, May 3 this year, saying the Shawwal moon may not be sighted anywhere in the country on the evening of 29 Ramazan (Sunday, May 1).

They added that the new moon will be born at 1:28am between the night of April 30 and May 1.

The experts further said that the dimensional difference between the moon from the sun needs to be at 10 degrees but it will be at 8 degrees in Pakistan, which will make it near impossible to be seen even with a telescope.

On the other hand, the time difference between the sunset and moonset, which should be at 40 minutes, will be more than 89 minutes in all areas of the country.

Also read: In pictures: Sweet smell of Ramazan tempts as Muslims fast

Therefore, if there are clear skies on Monday evening, the moon will be sighted clearly and for long in all areas of the country.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department hasn't yet sent its requisition about the moon sighting to the religious affairs ministry as per its practice.

Sources say that this time too, unconfirmed sightings will be approved on the evening of May 1 in order to coincide observance of Eid with Saudi Arabia as usual.

They also said that the federal minister for religious affairs has also served as a member of Mufti Popalzai's committee and is known to make the sighting of the moon controversial.