The federal government has declared a four-day holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr, starting April 10, according to an official announcement made on Wednesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sanctioned holidays from April 10 to 13.
The Meteorological Office predicted that Eid ul Fitr’s first day would be April 10, with the Shawwal moon expected to be sighted on April 9. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) stated that the crescent would emerge on April 8 at 11:21 pm, reaching an age of 19 to 20 hours by Maghrib prayer the following day.
The PMD anticipated a visibility window of over 50 minutes around sunset, with clear skies forecasted for most parts of the country on April 9, although northern regions might experience cloud cover.
Ramadan’s crescent was sighted on March 11 in Pakistan, and the holy month commenced the subsequent day. If the PMD’s predictions hold true, Pakistanis will observe fasting for 29 days.
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide upon the conclusion of Ramadan and the commencement of Shawwal. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, emphasizes patience, self-control, charity, and welfare, with Eid serving as a festive occasion following its observance.
Islamic months span either 29 or 30 days, with the beginning or end of a month determined by the crescent’s appearance. Thus, Ramadan does not adhere to a fixed date annually.
The Islamic calendar, consisting of 12 months, is approximately 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar due to its lunar basis, resulting in Ramadan occurring at different times each year according to the Gregorian calendar.
