What Happened
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has announced that the Shawwal moon is unlikely to be sighted on March 19, 2026. As a result, Eid ul Fitr is expected to be celebrated on March 21, 2026, across Pakistan, pending confirmation from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Why It Matters
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent is crucial for determining the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. If the moon is not sighted on March 19, Ramadan will last a full 30 days this year. This prediction follows PMD’s earlier successful forecast regarding the Ramadan moon sighting, which was confirmed when the Ramadan moon was seen on February 18, leading to the first fast on February 19.
What’s Next
Officials from the Met Office have indicated a strong possibility of the crescent being visible on March 20, which would confirm the Eid ul Fitr date. The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is expected to make an official announcement regarding the moon sighting, which will finalize the date for the festival. As Islamic months are determined by lunar sightings, the exact date of Eid ul Fitr can vary each year.