ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan prepares for the forthcoming holy month of Ramadan, expected to begin in less than two weeks, indications suggest that the holy month will commence on March 12 in Pakistan.
According to weather expert Jawad Memon, although the moon for the month of Ramadan will be born on March 10, it will not be visible until March 11, when it can be sighted with the naked eye, a local news website reported.
Memon stated, “The first Taraweeh will be observed on the night of March 11 [while] it is 95% possible that the first fast will be on March 12.”
Traditionally, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene in Islamabad, along with zonal committees meeting in their respective regions, to receive and assess moon sighting reports before officially announcing the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
Muslim Nations to Observe Ramadan Moon on March 10
Meanwhile, International news agencies have reported that on March 10th, meetings will convene across Islamic nations to observe the crescent moon and collect testimonies, a pivotal step in determining the official start of the holy month of Ramadan.
Leading astronomers have forecasted that on March 10th, the moon’s visibility will likely be too faint to be discerned with the naked eye or binoculars across much of the Arab and Islamic world, owing to its conjunction with the sun.
In light of these projections, the onset of Ramadan is anticipated to fall on Tuesday, March 12th, following the completion of 30 days in the month of Sha’ban. This prediction aligns with the principles of the Islamic lunar calendar, which dictate the commencement of Islamic months based on lunar visibility.
During Ramadan, observed with profound religious devotion, millions of Pakistanis, along with billions of Muslims worldwide, will observe fast from dawn till sunset, with fasting hours typically spanning between 12 to 17 hours, depending on geographical locations.
In Pakistan, Ramadan is characterized by increased acts of charity and public food drives, with people often setting up roadside stalls to distribute food to those returning home in the evening.
Moreover, the month typically witnesses a surge in business activities due to religious festivities and heightened shopping trends leading up to Eid ul Fitr.
