KARACHI: Pakistan\u2019s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convened an important meeting in Karachi on Sunday evening to observe the moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Zil Hajj, a month of immense religious significance for Muslims around the world due to the annual Hajj pilgrimage and Eidul Azha celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meeting is being held at the Meteorological Office in Karachi under the chairmanship of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad. Members of the central and zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committees, along with experts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), are participating in the session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities are gathering moon sighting testimonies from different regions of the country while scientific data related to moon visibility is also being reviewed. The committee will announce its official decision after evaluating both eyewitness reports and astronomical information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The beginning of Zil Hajj is closely watched every year because it determines the dates for Hajj rituals as well as Eidul Azha, one of the two major Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Eidul Azha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah\u2019s command and is marked by special prayers and animal sacrifices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to officials, if the Zil Hajj crescent is sighted this evening, Eidul Azha in Pakistan will likely be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27. However, if the moon is not sighted, the first day of Zil Hajj will begin a day later, and Eidul Azha will fall on Thursday, May 28.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Religious scholars and citizens across the country are closely following the proceedings as the moon sighting announcement traditionally draws significant public attention. Mosques, media outlets, and local administrations are prepared to disseminate the final decision once the committee concludes its deliberations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia\u2019s Supreme Court has also appealed to citizens and residents across the Kingdom to sight the moon of Zil Hajj on the evening corresponding to the 30th of Zil Qaada. The Saudi Supreme Court urged anyone who observes the crescent moon with the naked eye or through binoculars to report the sighting to the nearest court and register their testimony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Saudi announcement is particularly significant because millions of Muslims around the world look toward Saudi Arabia for updates regarding Hajj and Eidul Azha dates. The Day of Arafah and Eid celebrations in many countries are often linked with the Saudi lunar calendar, though some nations make independent moon sighting decisions based on local observations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Astronomers and weather experts have already provided forecasts regarding the possibility of moon visibility in various regions. Meteorological authorities in Pakistan are reportedly analyzing atmospheric conditions, cloud cover, and moon age to assist the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in reaching an accurate conclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed occasional differences regarding moon sighting announcements, with some regions making separate claims about crescent visibility. However, authorities have repeatedly emphasized the importance of national unity and coordinated decisions regarding Islamic months and religious festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad has previously highlighted the committee\u2019s efforts to ensure transparency and harmony in moon sighting matters. Under his leadership, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has worked closely with religious scholars, scientists, and technical experts to minimize disputes and ensure that decisions are made on both religious and scientific grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The start of Zil Hajj also signals the peak season of Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, where millions of Muslims from around the globe gather in Makkah to perform the sacred rituals. Pakistani pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia are preparing for the upcoming Hajj days, while authorities in both countries are coordinating arrangements for pilgrims\u2019 safety and convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As anticipation builds across Pakistan, citizens are awaiting the official moon sighting announcement that will determine the dates for fasting on the Day of Arafah, Eid prayers, and Qurbani preparations. Markets, livestock traders, transport operators, and local businesses also closely monitor the Eid schedule because of increased commercial activity associated with the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final announcement from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is expected later tonight after collecting moon sighting reports from across the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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