ISLAMABAD (MNN); The crescent moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan was sighted in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday night, according to Gulf News and official announcements from the region, paving the way for the start of fasting on Wednesday, February 18.
In separate reports, Gulf News confirmed that Wednesday would be observed as the first day of Ramazan in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The official Saudi Press Agency also announced on social media platform X that the crescent had been sighted and that the holy month would commence across the kingdom on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan also confirmed the beginning of Ramazan on February 18. According to Tolo News, the country’s Supreme Court issued a statement confirming that the crescent moon had been sighted in multiple provinces.
“In a statement issued by the Supreme Court, it said that in the provinces of Parwan, Kandahar, Helmand and Zabul, a large number of people sighted the crescent moon of Ramazan and reported it to the Sharia courts,” Tolo News said in a post on X.
With confirmations from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Afghanistan, attention has now turned to Pakistan, where the final decision regarding the beginning of Ramazan is expected after an official moon-sighting meeting.
Last week, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) indicated that the first day of Ramazan in Pakistan was “likely to fall” on Thursday, February 19, based on astronomical calculations and visibility forecasts. However, the agency clarified that it does not have the authority to officially declare the start of the Islamic month.
Suparco emphasised that the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee remains the sole competent authority responsible for announcing the sighting of the moon in Pakistan. The committee bases its decision on credible witness testimonies received from various parts of the country, in addition to scientific data.
It is worth noting that a meeting of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee is scheduled to take place tomorrow at the Auqaf Department building in Peshawar. Religious scholars, meteorological experts and other relevant officials will participate in the session to review testimonies and evidence regarding moon sighting.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, zonal and district Ruet-i-Hilal committees will also hold meetings at their respective headquarters across the country. These regional committees collect and verify local testimonies before forwarding their findings to the central body.
“The chairman Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will announce the decision of moon sighting or otherwise subsequently on the basis of information received to this end,” the notification stated.
In Pakistan, the beginning of Ramazan is traditionally awaited with religious devotion and public interest. The announcement not only marks the start of fasting from dawn to sunset but also sets the tone for special nightly prayers, charity initiatives and community gatherings throughout the month.
The holy month of Ramazan holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is observed as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and charity. From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food and drink, focusing instead on spiritual growth, self-discipline and acts of compassion.
As neighbouring countries have officially begun the holy month, Pakistani authorities and citizens now await the outcome of the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee meeting to determine whether Ramazan will commence in the country on Wednesday or Thursday.
