In Pakistan, meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will take place tomorrow
Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that the first day of Eidul Fitr would fall on March 20 after the Shawwal moon was not sighted in the country, Gulf News reported.
The announcement was made by the moon-sighting committee, which convened to verify the new moon’s visibility. With the moon not sighted, the committee confirmed that Ramazan will conclude after 30 days of fasting, marking the start of Eid celebrations on March 20.
BREAKING NEWS | The crescent moon has NOT been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, #EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Friday, 20th March 2026.
May Allāh allow us to utilise the remaining moments of this blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him, may He accept our siyām,… pic.twitter.com/xLwJ1dEpL1
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) March 18, 2026
This decision is in line with the Islamic tradition of determining the beginning of a new month through lunar observation, a practice followed by many Muslim-majority countries around the world.
The meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan will take place tomorrow for the Shawwal moon sighting, after Asr prayers, on the rooftop of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Kohsar Block.
The Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission had already predicted that Eidul Fitr was likely to fall on March 21, as the chances of sighting the Shawwal crescent on March 19 were considered very low.
“At the time of sunset on March 19, the age of the new moon would be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with an estimated 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt,” the statement from SUPARCO had said.
Read More: SUPARCO predicts Eidul Fitr likely on March 21
The commission had said the prediction was based on scientific calculations and observations, but had emphasised that the relevant religious authority would make the official announcement.
“The final decision regarding the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and the commencement of Eidul Fitr 1447 AH would be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the sole competent authority to announce the beginning of Islamic months on credible witness testimonies and verified observations from across the country,” the statement said.
