Ramazan Begins Tomorrow: Confirmations from Pakistan and Gulf Nations
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee in Pakistan confirmed that there were no moon sightings, and thus, Ramazan will begin on March 2. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors announced Ramazan will commence on March 1. The UAE utilized AI drones to assist in moon sightings, showcasing the blend of tradition with modern technology.
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee has confirmed that the moon of Ramazan was not sighted anywhere in Pakistan, indicating that the holy month will commence on Sunday, March 2. The announcement was made by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad following a meeting held in Peshawar, where he reported no sightings amidst predominantly cloudy weather across various regions, although some areas experienced clearer skies.
Zonal Ruet-i-Hilal committees held parallel meetings in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Quetta but failed to confirm any credible moon sightings. The committee, which includes diverse members and collaborates with national agencies including the meteorological office and Ministry of Religious Affairs, aims to ensure precise moon sighting.
In Peshawar, an unofficial moon sighting committee led by Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai also concluded that Ramazan would begin on the same day, March 2, aligning with the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee’s findings. Both committees emphasized the absence of eyewitness reports regarding the moon sighting.
Conversely, Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors announced Ramazan will start on Saturday, March 1, having confirmed the moon sighting. This date aligns with declarations made by the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as communicated by the official Saudi Press Agency. Moreover, Iraq’s top Shia cleric declared the holy month would begin a day later, on Sunday.
In a notable advancement, the United Arab Emirates deployed AI-equipped drones to assist in spotting the crescent moon that signifies the start of Ramazan. This innovative approach complements traditional moon sighting methods, enhancing the efficiency of the process while maintaining the core practice of visual observation.
The UAE has initiated moon scouting on Friday, offering citizens several means to report sightings, including a dedicated hotline. The nation is committed to advancing its status as a leader in technology, having appointed the world’s first minister of state for AI in 2017, and continues to embrace modern methods in traditional practices.
In summary, the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee has determined that Ramazan in Pakistan will begin on March 2 due to no reported moon sightings. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and several Gulf nations will observe the holy month starting on March 1. The UAE also showcased innovation in moon sighting by utilizing AI technology, blending tradition with modern advancements. Both official and unofficial committees have worked collaboratively to establish clear guidelines for the commencement of Ramazan, reflecting the importance of precision in this significant religious observance.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
