Ramadan moon not sighted in Pakistan, first roza to be on March 2

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convened a crucial meeting in Peshawar on Friday, chaired by Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad, to determine the sighting of the Ramadan moon for the holy month of Ramadan 1446 Hijri. Despite extensive efforts, the moon was not sighted anywhere in Pakistan. As a result, the first fast (roza) will be observed on Sunday, March 2, 2025. This announcement has set the stage for millions of Muslims across the country to begin their spiritual journey of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

The meeting, held at the Auqaf Building on Eidgah Charsadda Road, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). Simultaneously, zonal committees for moon sighting held meetings in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Quetta, with experts from the Meteorological Department and SUPARCO in attendance. However, no reports of moon sightings were received from any part of the country, and this development was formally communicated to the central committee.

A day prior to the meeting, the Pakistan Meteorological Department had issued a forecast indicating partly cloudy conditions across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, over the next 24 hours. The department had noted that due to the cloudy weather, the chances of sighting the Ramadan moon were low. Additionally, the PMD highlighted that at sunset, the moon’s age would be approximately 12 hours, with a moon-sun angular separation of about five degrees—factors that further reduced the likelihood of visibility. SUPARCO had also predicted that Ramadan would likely begin after Saturday evening, based on calculations of the moon’s visibility.

With the official announcement now made, Muslims across Pakistan are preparing to observe the first fast on Sunday, March 2. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred time for Muslims worldwide. It is a month of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline, during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. Beyond the physical act of fasting, Ramadan is a period for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and strengthening one’s connection with Allah. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of worship, such as reading the Quran, offering additional prayers (Taraweeh), and performing acts of charity (Zakat and Sadaqah). The month also emphasizes the importance of patience, humility, and empathy for those less fortunate.

During Ramadan, Muslims strive to avoid negative behaviors such as gossiping, cursing, and arguing, instead focusing on fostering kindness, forgiveness, and community spirit. The fast is not merely about abstaining from food and drink but also about purifying the soul and developing a deeper sense of gratitude and compassion. The month culminates in the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, a joyous occasion marked by communal prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts.

As the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision is now official, Muslims across Pakistan and around the world are ready to embrace the spiritual blessings of Ramadan. The month serves as a time for unity, reflection, and communal solidarity, bringing millions of people together in worship and acts of kindness. Whether the moon was sighted or not, the spirit of Ramadan remains a beacon of hope, faith, and renewal for all.