As Ramadan, the holy month, approaches its end, the federal government has declared holidays for Eid ul Fitr starting from April 10.
According to the announcement made on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved holidays from April 10 (Wednesday) to April 13 (Saturday).
The Met Office predicted on Monday that Eid ul Fitr’s first day would be on April 10 as the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted on April 9.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) mentioned that the crescent would be visible on April 8 at 11:21 pm and would be about 19 to 20 hours old the next day around Maghrib prayer time.
The crescent could be observed for over 50 minutes around sunset, as stated by PMD.
While most parts of the country are expected to have clear skies on April 9, northern areas might experience cloudy weather, PMD added.
Ramadan’s crescent was sighted on March 11 in Pakistan, and the holy month began the next day. If PMD’s forecast holds true, Pakistanis would observe 29 days of fasting.
Eid ul Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide after Ramadan ends and Shawwal begins. Ramadan teaches patience, self-control, and emphasizes charity and welfare, while Eid marks a joyous occasion immediately after.
Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, and the beginning or end of a month depends on the crescent’s sighting, making Ramadan’s timing variable each year.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which comprises 12 lunar months and is about 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, leading to varying dates for Ramadan each year.
