Ramadan moon 2024: Holy month to begin from Tuesday as crescent sighted in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh

PESHAWAR: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced the sighting of the Ramadan moon in Pakistan, meaning the first Roza will be observed today (Tuesday) across the country. 

Moon sighting body chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad made the official announcement following a meeting of clerics from all schools of thought to ascertain the beginning of the ninth Islamic month.

The moon sighting committee had urged Pakistanis across the country to sight the crescent, wishing that the holy month began on the same day throughout the country.

The Ramadan moon was sighted in Lahore and Peshawar before the announcement, according to Geo News. 

Meanwhile, meetings of other zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees were held simultaneously at their respective places on Shaban 29 after Asr prayers, for the Ramadan moon sighting of Hijri year 1445.

Besides Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and other nations will also observe the first Roza tomorrow (Tuesday) as the moon has been sighted in the countries.

The crescent moon was seen in several Indian cities on Monday, according to Indian media reports.

The holy month, which is observed with religious fervour and zeal, will see millions of Pakistanis along with billions of Muslims around the world observing fast from dawn till sunset with the fasting hours falling between 12 to 17 hours — depending on the geographical locations across the globe.

Like many other countries, Ramadan, in Pakistan, is marked by increased charity and public food drives with the people establishing roadside stalls for people returning to their homes in the evening.

The month, usually, also witnesses increased business activities due to religious festivities as well as shopping trends in the run-up to Eid ul Fitr.