ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee — the federal moonsighting body, along with zonal committees, will convene a meeting today (Sunday, March 30, 2025, corresponding to Ramadan 29, 1446 AH), to sight the Shawwal moon, marking the potential end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Muslims celebrate Eid ul Fitr after the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.
Moonsighting committee’s chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad will chair the meeting at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Religious scholars, meteorological experts, and other stakeholders will deliberate on moonsighting reports from across the country during the session to determine the date for Eid ul Fitr celebrations across Pakistan.
The beginning of the ninth and holiest month in the Muslim calendar — as well as the Eid holidays and the mourning month of Muharram — is determined by the sighting of the new moon.
Last month, the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) forecasted the visibility of the Ramadan and Shawwal crescents using scientific assessments, astronomical calculations, and modern observational data.
According to astronomical models, the Shawwal moon will be visible on March 30, indicating that Eid ul Fitr will likely fall in Pakistan on March 31, 2025.
Since the unaided-eye observation of the crescent moon is a religious obligation for determining the start of the holy month, the committee will examine testimonies from across the country and formally announce the official commencement of this year’s Shawwal.
Saudi Arabia, UAE celebrating Eid today
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and several other countries are celebrating Eid ul Fitr today, according to Arab media reports.
An official statement from the Saudi Royal Court confirmed that today, Saturday, is the last day of Ramadan, and today will be celebrated as Eidul Ftir across the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the UAE also made the same announcement.
Similarly, other Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, and Iran, have also announced sighting of the Shawwal moon and will celebrate Eid today.
Countries where moon not sighted
Meanwhile, several countries officially announced that Eid ul Fitr will fall on Monday, March 31, 2025, as the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Saturday evening.
Oman has officially announced that the Shawwal moon was not sighted, and Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Monday, March 31.
Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia confirmed the Eid date based on astronomical data and local moon sighting efforts.
In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee stated that the crescent moon was not sighted, making Sunday the 30th day of Ramadan.
Indonesia also declared Monday as the first day of Eid after failing to observe the Shawwal crescent.
In India, where Muslims have completed 28 days of fasting, the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted today. If confirmed, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Monday.
Malaysia’s International Astronomy Centre (IAC) confirmed that the crescent will be visible to the naked eye today. Hence, the country will celebrate Eid on Monday.
Brunei followed suit, with the IAC also confirming that the moon will be visible there today.
The Australian Fatwa Council declared Eid ul Fitr on March 31 as well, noting that the Shawwal moon will be born after sunset on Saturday in both eastern and western parts of the country.
