Shawwal moon expected to be sighted on April 9

• Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan is expected on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024.
• Moon Sighting is predicted for April 9th based on PMD forecast.
• Reason for prediction is clear skies expected, aiding moon visibility.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that the Shawwal moon, which signifies the conclusion of Ramazan, is likely to be sighted across Pakistan on Tuesday, April 9. The PMD anticipates the birth of the Shawwal moon on the evening of April 8 at 11:21 pm local time. By April 9, the moon’s age is projected to be between 19 to 20 hours, and it should be visible for over 50 minutes after sunset.

Most southern regions of the country, including Karachi, are expected to have clear skies on April 9, which would facilitate the moon sighting. However, the northern areas might experience cloudy weather conditions. If the moon is sighted on April 9, the celebration of Eid ul Fitr will take place on Wednesday, April 10.

Eid ul Fitr is a significant religious event observed by Muslims globally, characterized by prayers, feasting, and gift exchanges among loved ones. As Eid ul Fitr nears, Pakistanis are gearing up for a potential six-day holiday period dedicated to festivities and celebrations.

In 2019, the IT ministry launched the lunar calendar to address issues related to moon sightings and ensure consistency in Eid celebrations. This calendar, endorsed by the meteorological department, has been crucial in determining the dates of various Islamic events, including Eid ul Fitr.

Traditionally, Eid holidays start a day before the expected date to give people enough time to prepare and participate in the festive activities. The government is considering a four-day holiday from April 9 (Tuesday) to April 12 (Friday), in addition to the regular weekend holidays on Saturday and Sunday observed by government and some private offices. This would result in a total holiday period of six days.

Eid ul Fitr is of immense cultural and religious importance to Muslims worldwide, marking the end of the holy month of Ramazan, a period of fasting, prayer, and introspection. In Pakistan, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, as families gather to exchange greetings, share meals, and extend charity to those in need.

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