The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee confirmed that Ramazan in Pakistan will begin on March 2, due to no moon sightings. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and several Gulf nations will observe the holy month starting March 1. The UAE has introduced AI drones to assist in moon sighting, merging modern technology with tradition.
PESHAWAR: The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announced that the moon marking the beginning of Ramazan was not sighted nationwide, confirming that the holy month will commence on Sunday, March 2. The committee, led by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, met in Peshawar to discuss moon sighting reports, stating that no sightings were confirmed despite varying weather conditions across regions.
Meetings in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Quetta by zonal committees yielded no credible moon sightings. The committee collaborated with meteorological services, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and other agencies to ensure accurate declarations.
An unofficial group at Qasim Ali Khan Mosque in Peshawar, led by Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai, also aligned its announcement of Ramazan starting on Sunday with the formal decision. “No witnesses regarding the moon sighting were received, so Ramazan will begin on Sunday,” he affirmed.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries declared that Ramazan would start on Saturday, March 1, following the crescent moon sighting. The Saudi Press Agency reported, “The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Saturday, is the first day of the month of (Ramazan).” Countries such as UAE, Qatar, and Oman followed suit, whereas Iraq’s top cleric announced a Sunday start.
The United Arab Emirates introduced AI-enabled drones for crescent moon sighting, marking a significant advancement in this religious practice. The UAE’s initiative aims to enhance traditional visual observations, while still relying primarily on the naked eye for confirmations. This technological innovation reflects the nation’s aspiration to lead in AI advancements within the region.
Officials announced that the UAE’s moon-spotting efforts included reporting options via hotline and online forms, integrating modern technology into age-old traditions.
In summary, the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee declared that Ramazan will commence on March 2 in Pakistan, as no moon sightings were confirmed. In contrast, Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations reported an earlier start on March 1. Additionally, the UAE has embraced technology by deploying AI drones to assist in future moon sightings, showcasing its commitment to innovation. The dual starting dates for Ramazan across different regions highlight the diversity in moon sighting practices among Muslim countries. Overall, the integration of technology alongside traditional methods marks a significant moment in the observance of this important time for Muslims worldwide.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
