Holy month of Ramazan begins as moon sighted in Pakistan

The holy month of Ramazan is set to commence in Pakistan on Tuesday as the crescent moon has been sighted, announced Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad, the chairman of the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

During a press conference held in Peshawar following the meeting of the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Azad confirmed the sighting of the Ramazan moon, signifying the beginning of the month-long fasting period for Muslims across the nation.

The decision to commence Ramazan fasting was reached after testimonies of moon sightings were received from various regions of Pakistan.

He extended his congratulations to people and the Muslim community on the arrival of the holy month.

The zonal committee of Lahore not only received testimonies of sighting the moon but also its observation was made by participating members in the meeting. Subsequently, the moon was also sighted in Islamabad, Peshawar, and other cities.

Shortly after the sighting of the moon, President Asif Ali Zardari extended felicitations to the Muslim Ummah and Pakistanis on the commencement of Ramazan.

Read: Ramazan moon sighted in Saudi Arabia

"May Allah grant us the ability to benefit from the blessings of this blessed month, and may He bestow upon Pakistan continuous progress day and night,” he prayed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with other personalities, also extended felicitations to the nation and the Muslim Ummah at the beginning of Ramazan, appealing to remember Pakistan in their prayers.

The meteorological department had already predicted the sighting of the Ramazan moon on March 11.

The Ramazan moon has also been sighted in other South Asian countries including India and Afghanistan.

Moreover, Jordan, Oman, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, and Australia have also declared the first day of Ramazan to be on 12th March.

The crescent moon of Ramazan was sighted in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries on Sunday, marking the beginning of the holy month, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Muslims in Pakistan eagerly anticipate the arrival of Ramazan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community outreach. It is a time for spiritual growth and self-discipline, observed by millions around the world.

As the country prepares to embark on this sacred period, mosques will be adorned with decorations, and communities will come together to partake in nightly prayers and special meals.

The sighting of the Ramazan moon marks a significant moment in the Islamic calendar, symbolising unity and devotion amongst believers.

With the announcement made by Maulana Azad, Pakistan braces itself for the start of Ramazan, a time of spiritual rejuvenation and solidarity among Muslims worldwide.