Shawwal Moon Formed in Pakistan for Eid-ul-Fitr, SUPARCO Confirms

While the rest of the Islamic world waits with bated breath for Eid-ul-Fitr, Pakistan will celebrate the day on March 31, 2025, thanks to positive moon-sighting conditions. SUPARCO has reported that the Shawwal moon was created on March 29 at 3:58 PM (Pakistan time), and it is extremely likely to be seen throughout the country by sunset on March 30.

Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti stressed that crescent sightability is controlled by certain astronomic conditions. The minimum possible age of 18 hours and a gap between sunset and moonset of a minimum of 40 minutes would be surpassed, supporting the credibility of a positive sighting.

Shawwal Moon Sighted, Saudi Arabia and UAE Confirm Eid on March 30

While Saudi Arabia and the UAE have already announced Eid-ul-Fitr festivities on March 30, following their moon sighting, varied dates are normal due to differences in geography causing variations in visibility of the moon.

Though scientific predictions firmly suggest Eid-ul-Fitr will be on March 31 in Pakistan, the formal announcement is in the hands of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The committee will meet on March 30 to examine testimonies and announce the final decision.

Charity Guidelines Issued Ahead of Eid Festivities

In preparation for Eid, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has defined the compulsory Fitra contributions so that the needy are able to enjoy the festivities. The minimum contribution has been fixed at Rs220 per person, with others being available to those who want to contribute according to varying staple food prices. Dates, barley, wheat, dried figs, and raisins have been used as reference commodities with different rates to suit economic capacities.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a day of communal celebrations, with prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. The day invokes a sense of thanksgiving and togetherness, promoting Muslims to be generous and distribute their blessings to the poor. As the waiting game intensifies, Pakistanis look forward to the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee making the final call to determine the date of the celebration.