Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee would convene on Thursday, April 20 to sight the crescent of Shawwal 1444 AH, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony announced on Thursday. This annual meeting is a significant event for Muslims all over the world, as it determines the start of the auspicious month of Shawwal, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, also known as the Moon Sighting Committee, is responsible for determining the sighting of the new moon in Pakistan. The committee comprises religious scholars, astronomers, and government officials who gather at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in the federal capital, Islamabad, to sight the crescent moon. The sighting of the moon signifies the beginning of a new lunar month in the Islamic calendar and is crucial for determining the dates of various Islamic events and festivals, including the start of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Muhammad Umar Butt, stated that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s meeting would be held at the Ministry, while the Zonal/District Ruet-e-Hilal Committees would also gather at their respective headquarters during the same time. These Zonal/District Committees are responsible for moon sighting in their respective regions and report their findings to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
The process of moon sighting is based on the traditional method of visual sighting with the naked eye, as it has been practiced for centuries in Islamic tradition. Members of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and other relevant officials carefully observe the sky after sunset on the 29th day of the lunar month of Sha’ban, which precedes the month of Shawwal. If the moon is sighted and confirmed by the committee, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony officially announces the beginning of Shawwal and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across Pakistan.
The sighting of the moon for Shawwal is not only significant for determining the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr, but it also holds great spiritual and cultural importance for Muslims in Pakistan. Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion for Muslims, as it marks the end of a month of fasting, prayers, and reflection during Ramadan. It is a time for families and communities to come together, celebrate, and exchange gifts. Muslims in Pakistan eagerly anticipate the announcement of the moon sighting, as it sets the date for their festivities and gatherings.
However, moon sighting in Pakistan has sometimes been a controversial and debated issue. There have been instances of conflicting reports of moon sightings from different regions of the country, leading to confusion and disputes over the start of Shawwal and Eid-ul-Fitr. In recent years, there have been calls for using modern scientific methods, such as astronomical calculations and technological tools, to determine the sighting of the moon more accurately and avoid discrepancies.
Advocates of using modern methods argue that it would eliminate the subjectivity and variability of human sight, which can be affected by weather conditions, geographical location, and individual differences. They argue that astronomical calculations can accurately predict the visibility of the moon and provide a consistent basis for determining the start of Shawwal and other Islamic events. However, opponents of this approach argue that it goes against the traditional practice of visual sighting and undermines the spiritual significance of the moon sighting process.
Read more: Eid-ul-Fitr expected on April 22 in Pakistan: Ruet-e-Hilal
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has taken steps in recent years to address the issue of moon sighting in Pakistan. It has formed a National Moon Sighting Committee, comprising of religious scholars and astronomers, to study and propose solutions for improving the accuracy and consistency of the moon sighting process. The committee has been exploring the use of modern scientific methods alongside the traditional visual sighting approach to ensure a more reliable and consistent determination of the lunar months.
