Pakistan will celebrate Eid ul Fitr on March 31 after the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed the sighting of the Shawwal moon. The decision was announced following a meeting at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Islamabad, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
Moon Sighting Confirmed Across the Country
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee reviewed moon sighting testimonies from various parts of the country before making the announcement. The meeting was attended by officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), SUPARCO, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, while addressing a press conference, confirmed that credible testimonies had been received, confirming the sighting of the Shawwal crescent. As a result, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated across Pakistan on Monday, March 31.
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk. The festival is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, determined by the sighting of the new moon.
Read: Shawwal Moon Sighted in Lahore, Official Announcement Awaited
Saudi Arabia and UAE Celebrate Eid a Day Earlier
While Pakistan will observe Eid on March 31, several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iran, are celebrating Eid today, March 30. The Saudi Royal Court confirmed the moon sighting and declared today as the first day of Shawwal.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf nations also confirmed the Shawwal crescent and began their Eid celebrations today.
Countries Where Eid Will Be Celebrated on March 31
Some countries did not sight the Shawwal moon on Saturday and will observe Eid ul Fitr on March 31. These include:
-
Oman officially declared that the moon was not visible, confirming Eid for Monday.
-
Bangladesh’s National Moon Sighting Committee stated that Sunday would complete 30 days of Ramadan, with Eid falling on March 31.
-
Indonesia and Malaysia also failed to observe the crescent and announced that Eid will be celebrated on Monday.
-
India, where Ramadan had completed 28 days, is expected to confirm Eid after the moon sighting later today.
-
Brunei and Australia will also observe Eid on Monday, based on astronomical calculations.
Islamic Tradition of Moon Sighting
In Islam, the beginning of significant months, including Ramadan, Shawwal, and Muharram, is determined by the sighting of the moon. While modern astronomical predictions help estimate moon visibility, the traditional method of naked-eye observation remains the basis for official announcements in many Muslim countries.
With the confirmation of the Shawwal crescent, Pakistanis are preparing for Eid ul Fitr celebrations. The holiday marks a time of joy, gratitude, and community gatherings, bringing an end to the month-long fasting period.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
