Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Meeting Date for Ramadan. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has officially announced the date for its important meeting to sight the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 AH. According to the announcement, the meeting will be held on February 18 in Peshawar, where religious scholars and officials will gather to determine the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in Pakistan.
The moon sighting meeting is a highly anticipated event every year, as it determines the first day of fasting for millions of Muslims across the country.
Meeting to Be Chaired by Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad
The session will be chaired by Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad, who serves as the Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Under his leadership, the committee will carefully review testimonies received from different parts of Pakistan regarding the sighting of the Ramadan crescent.
After evaluating both religious evidence and scientific data, the chairman will formally announce whether the moon has been sighted and confirm the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Location of the Central Meeting: Peshawar
This year’s central meeting will take place in Peshawar, the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The selection of Peshawar as the venue highlights the importance of regional participation in the moon sighting process.
Alongside the central committee meeting, zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committees in different provinces will also hold separate sessions to collect and verify local moon sighting reports.
Participation of Key Government and Scientific Bodies
The moon sighting decision will not rely solely on eyewitness accounts. Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony will attend the meeting to oversee the proceedings and ensure transparency.
In addition, representatives from major scientific institutions will also participate, including:
- SUPARCO
- Pakistan Meteorological Department
- Ministry of Science and Technology
These institutions will provide astronomical calculations, satellite data, and weather forecasts to help determine the visibility of the crescent moon. Their technical input plays an important role in supporting the committee’s final decision.
Process of Ramadan Moon Sighting in Pakistan
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee follows a detailed procedure before announcing the start of Ramadan. The process includes:
- Collecting moon sighting testimonies from across Pakistan.
- Verifying the credibility of witnesses.
- Reviewing scientific and meteorological reports.
- Holding consultations among religious scholars and experts.
Only after completing these steps does the committee make an official announcement regarding the sighting of the Ramadan moon.
This balanced approach ensures that both Islamic principles and scientific evidence are considered before declaring the beginning of the holy month.
Public Appeal to Observe the Crescent
Chairman Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad has appealed to citizens across Pakistan to actively observe the sky on the evening of February 18. He encouraged people to report any confirmed sightings of the crescent moon to their nearest Ruet-e-Hilal office.
Public participation is considered an important part of the moon sighting tradition, as eyewitness testimonies from various regions help the committee reach a reliable conclusion.
Hope for Nationwide Unity in Ramadan
In his statement, the chairman also expressed hope that the entire country would begin Ramadan on the same day. In previous years, differences in moon sighting announcements have occasionally led to variations in the start of Ramadan across regions.
This year, religious authorities are optimistic that coordinated efforts between central and provincial committees will help ensure national unity during the holy month.
Ramadan holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, charity, and community gatherings. Therefore, a unified start to the month is seen as a symbol of harmony and solidarity among Muslims in Pakistan.
Importance of Ramadan 1447 AH
Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar. It is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion. The sighting of the crescent moon officially marks the beginning of fasting, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
With the meeting scheduled for February 18, citizens across Pakistan are eagerly waiting for the official announcement that will confirm the first day of fasting for Ramadan 1447 AH.
Final Announcement Expected After Maghrib
The final decision regarding the moon sighting is expected to be announced after Maghrib prayers on the day of the meeting. Once confirmed, the chairman will make a public announcement through media channels to inform the nation.
Until then, preparations for Ramadan continue in homes, markets, and mosques across the country as people look forward to welcoming the blessed month.
Conclusion
The announcement of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting for February 18 in Peshawar marks the beginning of the formal process to determine the start of Ramadan 1447 AH in Pakistan. With participation from religious scholars, government officials, and scientific institutions, the decision will be based on both traditional moon sighting methods and modern astronomical data.
