Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting convened to sight Shawwal moon on Tuesday

Central and provincial committees to collect moon sighting testimonies from across the country

The central and provincial Ruet-e-Hilal (moon sighting) committees are scheduled to convene on Tuesday, April 9, to deliberate on the sighting of the Islamic month of Shawwal’s crescent, heralding Eidul Fitr – the festival celebrated at the conclusion of the holy month of Ramazan across the Muslim world.

During this crucial meeting, Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, will meticulously evaluate moon-sighting reports from various regions of Pakistan, with the assistance of experts from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

The session of the central committee is slated to take place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony's office in Islamabad on April 9, 2024.

The committees will meticulously examine nationwide accounts of Shawwal’s moon sightings and subsequently determine the commencement of the first day of Shawwal, 1445 AH.

Also read: Shawwal moon to likely be sighted on April 9

Encouraging public participation, Maulana Azad underscores the significance of citizen engagement in the moon sighting efforts for Shawwal-ul-Mukarram. Citizens are urged to promptly report any sightings to designated contact numbers: Chairman (0321-9410041/0333-9100619), Director General Religious Affairs (0300-6831822), and the Office of Director Religious Affairs (051-9201425).

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has issued a directive urging all citizens to actively participate in Shawwal moon sightings on April 8. The kingdom has mandated individuals to promptly report their observations to the nearest court if they spot the crescent using telescopes, binoculars, or the naked eye.

What science says?

Reputable astronomical websites such as timeanddate.com and griffithobservatory.org have documented the birth of the new moon on April 8.

The Griffith Observatory, based in Los Angeles, utilised NASA/JPL Horizon web portal and state-of-the-art USNO-MICA software to forecast the formation of the new moon at 11:21 on April 8 Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Pakistan is 12 hours ahead of PDT.

Also read: Govt announces four-day holiday for Eidul Fitr

As per the Pakistan Meteorological Department, by April 9, the moon's age is expected to range between 19 to 20 hours, with an anticipated duration of moon sighting after sunset exceeding 50 minutes on the horizon.

Most regions across the southern parts of the country, including Karachi, are expected to experience clear skies on April 9. However, northern areas may encounter cloudy conditions during the moon sighting.

Therefore, there are promising prospects for the Shawwal moon sighting on April 9.