PESHAWAR: Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad is set to preside over a crucial meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee today, where the Ramadan moon will be observed.
Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Azad has extended an appeal to all Pakistanis, urging them to actively participate in the crescent sighting process, expressing the hope that the holy month will commence uniformly across the country. If the moon is sighted during this meeting, Ramadan will officially begin on Tuesday.
Simultaneously, other zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees are scheduled to convene their respective meetings on Shaban 29 after Asr prayers to participate in the Ramadan moon sighting for the Hijri year 1445.
According to the Met Office, the Ramadan moon was anticipated to be born at 2 pm on Sunday, and its sighting today, when its age would surpass 28 hours, could mark the commencement of the holy month.
Ramadan, a month marked by religious fervor and zeal, will witness millions of Pakistanis, alongside billions of Muslims globally, observing fasting from dawn till sunset, with the fasting hours ranging from 12 to 17 hours, depending on geographical locations.
In Pakistan, as in many other countries, Ramadan is characterized by increased charitable activities and public food drives. The evenings see the establishment of roadside stalls to cater to those returning home. Additionally, the month typically experiences heightened business activities due to religious festivities and the shopping trends leading up to the celebration of Eid ul Fitr.
Meanwhile, the crescent moon of Ramadan was officially sighted in Saudi Arabia and certain parts of India on Sunday, signifying the commencement of the holy month on March 11. This announcement came from the Majmaah University Astronomical Observatory. Besides Saudi Arabia and India, the moon’s visibility extends to some Western nations as well.
Ramadan holds significant religious importance as the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, based on a lunar year of approximately 354 days. It is revered as one of the holiest months, during which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an. Fasting from food and drink during daylight hours is a central practice during this sacred month, serving as a means for believers to draw closer to God and cultivate virtues such as self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.
