Ramazan moon expected to be sighted on Monday: Met office

In Saudi Arabia, the holy month is likely to begin from Monday, March 11

As the Muslim world eagerly anticipates the arrival of the holy month of Ramazan, the meteorological department in Pakistan has issued a forecast predicting that the new moon of Ramazan is likely to be born on Sunday, March 10, with a high possibility of being sighted on Monday, March 11. If observed, this would mark the beginning of Ramazan on Tuesday, March 12, in the country.

The met office disclosed that the moon is expected to be born on March 10 at 2 pm, and with an age of more than 28 hours on March 11, there is a strong likelihood of it being visible, Express News reported.

Weather conditions are expected to be favourable for moon sighting in central and lower Sindh, as well as Balochistan, on March 11. However, partly cloudy conditions in the upper parts of the country may hinder visibility.

Also read: Ramazan likely to begin on March 12 in most Islamic countries

Meanwhile, Sharaf Al-Sufiani, the head of the Department of Astronomy in Saudi Arabia, has made a parallel prediction regarding the Ramazan moon. According to Al-Sufiani, the moon will be born in Saudi Arabia on March 10 at 12 noon, becoming visible after sunset. This aligns with the expectation that the 1st of Ramazan in Saudi Arabia will fall on Monday, March 11, potentially leading to Eidul Fitr on April 10 or 11.

The Saudi government has urged the public to actively participate in the moon sighting process, encouraging them to observe the skies at sunset on March 10 and submit their testimony to the Saudi Supreme Court.

This year, a unique occurrence awaits Saudi Arabia as Ramazan approaches in winter, a phenomenon not experienced in the kingdom for 26 years. This wintry Ramazan pattern is expected to persist until 2031.

Also read: From Iceland to NZ: Mapping the extremes of Ramazan fasting times worldwide

As the fasting hours vary across the globe, this year's longest fast is anticipated in Iceland, lasting over 18 hours. Finland, Scotland, and Canada will also observe extended fasting periods of 17 to 18 hours. In contrast, New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina are expected to have the shortest fasts, lasting up to 12 hours and 44 minutes. Countries such as Pakistan, India, and Indonesia will witness fasting durations ranging from 13 to 15 hours.

As the countdown to Ramazan begins, Muslims worldwide prepare for a month of spiritual reflection, prayer, and acts of charity. The exact start date will be confirmed following the moon sighting, maintaining the tradition of commencing the holy month based on the lunar calendar.