Leader of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Pakistan, Maulana Azad, said Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, is likely to fall on Wednesday, April 10th this year.
Scientists predict the new moon, which signals the start of the next month Shawwal, will be visible on the 29th day of Ramadan.
Maulana Azad mentioned using scientific data to help decide when Eid falls, but the final decision will be based on religious traditions and witness testimonies.
This means Pakistanis will likely have a 29-day Ramadan this year. If the new moon is seen on April 9th, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on April 10th.
This announcement follows the sighting of the Ramadan moon on March 11th, making March 12th the first day of Ramadan in Pakistan. Many other countries around the world also began Ramadan on March 12th.
As a reminder, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a time for Muslims to fast from food, drink, and negative behaviors. It’s a month for prayer, reflection, and charity.
The government also announced the minimum amount of money considered taxable for religious purposes (Zakat) for the upcoming year.