Ramazan Moon Sighting Updates: Pakistan and Gulf Nations Announce Dates

The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announced that Ramazan will start on March 2 in Pakistan, as the crescent moon was not sighted. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations like the UAE confirmed the holy month begins on March 1. The UAE has also pioneered the use of AI drones to assist in moon sightings, blending tradition with modern technology.

The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee in Pakistan confirmed on Friday that the Ramazan moon was not sighted, indicating that the holy month will commence on Sunday, March 2. Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad chaired the meeting held in Peshawar, reporting no moon sightings due to cloudy weather across the country, despite some regions having clearer conditions. Multiple zonal committees convened across major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad but received no credible evidence of a moon sighting.

In coordination with various local and national organizations, the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee relies on input from several agencies, including the meteorological office and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Attendees of the meeting included prominent religious figures and scholars. Concurrently, Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai led an unofficial committee at Qasim Ali Khan Mosque in Peshawar, which also confirmed the start of Ramazan on Sunday based on the central committee’s findings.

In contrast, Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar announced that Ramazan would begin on Saturday. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia verified the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of the holy month in these regions. Several Muslim countries traditionally align their observance with Saudi Arabia’s announcement, although Iraq’s top Shia cleric declared that Ramazan would begin on Sunday.

The United Arab Emirates pioneered the use of AI-equipped drones to assist in moon sightings, a modern method complementing traditional visual observations. This innovation is aimed at enhancing the accuracy of determining the crescent moon’s visibility at the beginning of Ramazan. The UAE’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has also enabled citizens to report moon sightings via a dedicated hotline or online platform, showcasing the country’s advanced technological approach to this age-old practice.

In summary, the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee has officially declared that Ramazan will commence in Pakistan on Sunday, March 2, due to the absence of any reported moon sightings. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries will begin their observance on Saturday, reflecting regional variations in lunar sightings. Additionally, the UAE’s adoption of AI technology for moon spotting exemplifies the blending of tradition with innovation in religious practices.

Original Source: www.dawn.com