Shawwal moon not sighted, Eidul Fitr on Saturday
Pakistan
Debate over the date of Eidul Fitr left people wondering which day to prepare for the festives
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, chaired by Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad, announced on Thursday that the crescent moon of Shawwal 1444 AH could not be sighted, meaning that Eidul Fitr would not be celebrated in Pakistan on Friday.
Instead, the Eid would be celebrated on Saturday.
"No witnesses were recieved from across Pakistan regarding moon sighting", said Maulana Azad.
The announcement came after the committee held a meeting at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, where evidence was collected from zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees regarding the sighting of the moon.
With the holy month of Ramazan coming to an end, Muslims around the world were eagerly awaiting the sighting of the Shawwal moon to celebrate Eidul Fitr.
The meetings of zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees were also held on the same day at their respective headquarters for collecting evidence in respect of sighting or otherwise of the Shawwal moon.
However, the date of Eidul Fitr is always a matter of debate and controversy, with various sources giving different predictions. While the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti claimed that Eidul Fitr was likely to be celebrated on April 22 after the completion of 30 days of Ramazan, astronomers have predicted that it would fall on the same day in Pakistan due to the occurrence of a solar eclipse on April 20, which would make the new moon invisible.
Muslims across Pakistan are preparing for the festival with great enthusiasm.
Markets are bustling with shoppers buying new clothes, shoes, and accessories to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramazan.
Eidul Fitr is a joyous occasion that marks the end of a month-long period of fasting, reflection, and prayer. Families and friends come together to celebrate the occasion, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals.
The occasion is also marked by acts of charity and kindness towards those in need.
