February 28, 2025, Peshawar: Muslims globally are bracing for the arrival of Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, with moon sighting committees mobilizing efforts to spot the crescent moon marking its commencement. Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad expressed optimism for the start of Ramadan to align across Pakistan, emphasizing unity among the Muslim community.
The moon sighting committee, led by Azad, is expected to meet this evening right after the Friday prayers to observe and confirm the Ramadan crescent. While the central committee gathers in Peshawar, regional Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will also convene at their designated locations for the moon sighting.
“We will make decisions according to the testimonies we receive. I pray we begin observing Ramadan on the same day,” Azad remarked during his appearance on Geo News’ program 'Geo Pakistan'. He also reassured viewers about the scientific methodologies employed by the committee, stating, “We not only have scholars from all sects but also representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and Suparco.”
The PMD's forecasts indicate low chances of sighting the crescent due to anticipated cloudy weather, which could affect visibility this evening. “Due to cloudy weather, the chance of sighting the Ramadan moon is low tomorrow,” the department announced, explaining the moon's age at sunset would be nearly 12 hours with only about five degrees of separation from the sun.
If the crescent is sighted this evening, the first fast of Ramadan will be on March 1. If not, Ramadan would commence on March 2. This year’s central meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM, following the Zuhr prayer, expecting clerics from all Islamic schools of thought to attend.
Simultaneously, Muslims across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom, United States, and Australia prepare for the crescent sighting. A live event is expected on social media, with dedicated observers eager to spot the crescent marking the beginning of the fasting month. Similar traditions flourish globally, passed down through generations, highlighting the significance of the crescent moon sighting.
Earlier, Iran also marked its observances for the moon sighting, where hundreds of clerics will ascend hills and travel on planes, binoculars at hand, searching for the holy crescent. The reports collected will inform the decision of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, about the start date of Ramadan. Yet, experts like Kazem Kukaram of Iran's Amateur Astronomy Society suggest the sighting odds are slim due to the short visibility window—only about 15 minutes post-sunset.
Despite challenges, the ritual remains significant. Clarity of vision is so emphasized within Shia traditions, which typically call for the moon to be viewed without assistance. Khamenei allows the use of basic optical aids, which has introduced some divergence from long-standing customs.
This year, coinciding with Ramadan, the ancient Iranian New Year, Norouz, brings additional cultural nuances and expectations. Its overlap is expected to add economic pressures to Iranians already facing hardship, affecting how many will travel and celebrate the multi-faceted festivities.
While the excitement thrives, the communities are aware of the solemn obligations fasting entails. Notably, Ramadan is not merely about abstention from food and drink, it serves as instruction for patience, empathy, and faith. Daily life will shift as gatherings are formed for Iftar, the evening meal breaking the fast, and communal prayers soar.
Fasts range from 12 to 17 hours depending on one’s geographical location, yet the community bonds, sharing iftar meals, praying together for enlightenment during the holy month, resonate universally across various cultures.
For the first fast, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will likely lead the way, marking the commencement this Saturday, March 1, alongside many nations like Pakistan expected to join thereafter.
Observers must look westward right after sunset as dusk settles on Friday. Many eagerly await official announcements as families and friends prepare their hearts and homes to embrace the spirit of Ramadan.
With the moon sighting tradition linking the Muslim ummah, whether at home or abroad, each shared crescent sighting carries with it dreams of unity and fasting, strengthening bonds as they embrace the month of reflection, gratitude, and devotion. Whatever the outcome of this evening’s sightings, the message of peace and empathy at the heart of Ramadan remains steadfast, guiding Muslims globally.