Eid ul Fitr tomorrow or day after? Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting underway for Shawwal moon sighting

ISLAMABAD: The meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (RHC) is underway in Islamabad to sight the Shawwal crescent, which will mark the end of Ramadan and determine the date of Eid ul Fitr.

The session is being led by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the chairman of the committee. At the same time, zonal and district moon sighting committees are also meeting in their own cities to observe the crescent.

Eid in Other Countries

It is important to note that the Shawwal moon was not seen in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday. Because of this, Eid will be celebrated there on Friday. Meanwhile, Eid ul-Fitr is being observed in Afghanistan today.

Astronomical Observations

Experts say that Eid ul-Fitr in Pakistan is more likely to fall on March 21, after completing 30 days of Ramadan. They believe that the chances of seeing the moon on the evening of March 19 are low.

Pakistan started the first fast of Ramadan 2026 on February 19. According to SUPARCO:

“The new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST,” the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) said.

“At the time of sunset on March 19, 2026, the age of the new moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with an estimated 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt,” it added.

Importance of Eid ul-Fitr

Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr with great religious devotion after a month of fasting. During Ramadan, people practice patience, self-discipline, and generosity.

Islamic months usually last 29 or 30 days and depend on the sighting of the moon. Because of this, Ramadan does not fall on the same date every year in the Gregorian calendar.

As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the moon and is about 10 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan moves earlier each year.

Final Decision Awaited

People across Pakistan are now waiting for the official announcement. The final decision about Eid ul-Fitr will be made after reviewing moon sighting reports from across the country.