Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Convenes to Determine Visibility of Rabi-ul-Awwal Moon – Radio Pakistan

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Moon Sighting Committees Meet to Determine Start of Rabi-us-Sani

Islamabad, Pakistan and Dhaka, Bangladesh – Religious authorities in both Pakistan and Bangladesh are actively engaged in efforts to determine the commencement of the month of Rabi-us-Sani, a significant period in the Islamic calendar. Committees convened today, September 23rd, and will continue deliberations tomorrow as they attempt to sight the new crescent moon.

Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Session

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan gathered earlier today to pursue a visual confirmation of the Rabi-us-Sani crescent. This committee plays a crucial role in officially announcing the start of islamic months, relying on both astronomical data and eyewitness accounts. According to reports, the committee’s primary objective is to establish the date with certainty, aligning religious observances with lunar cycles.

Bangladesh to Confirm Date Tomorrow

In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow to fulfill the same purpose. This committee will also assess evidence and testimonies to ascertain the precise moment the new moon appears. the outcome of their meeting will officially declare the beginning of Rabi-us-Sani for the Bangladeshi Muslim community.

The Significance of Moon Sighting

The sighting of the crescent moon holds deep religious importance in Islam, marking the beginning of each month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This practice dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad and remains a cornerstone of religious observance for Muslims worldwide. accurate moon sighting ensures that religious events, such as fasting during Ramadan and celebrations like Eid, are observed at the correct time.

The process isn’t solely reliant on visual confirmation. Modern astronomical calculations, such as those provided by organizations like SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) in Pakistan, offer predictions aiding in the sighting process. Though, the final determination traditionally rests on eyewitness testimony.

Country	Committee	Meeting Date	Purpose
Pakistan	Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee	September 23, 2025	To sight the Rabi-us-Sani crescent moon
Bangladesh	National Moon Sighting Committee	September 24, 2025	To sight the Rabi-us-Sani crescent moon

Did you know? The Islamic calendar is a purely lunar calendar, meaning its months are based solely on the cycles of the moon, unlike the Gregorian calendar which is solar-based.

Pro Tip: Several Islamic apps and websites provide predicted moon sighting dates based on astronomical calculations, but these are frequently enough used as guides alongside official announcements.

As communities eagerly await the announcements from these committees, the determination of Rabi-us-sani’s start date represents a continuation of a time-honored tradition deeply embedded in Islamic faith. Will the committees reach a consensus on the sighting, and how will this impact religious observances in the region?

Do you think the use of technology should replace customary moon sighting?

Understanding the Islamic Lunar Calendar

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, consists of 12 lunar months, totaling approximately 354 days. Becuase it’s based on the moon, the dates don’t align with the gregorian calendar and shift by roughly 11 days each year. This means Islamic holidays occur at different times each year in the Gregorian calendar.The significance of this calendar lies in its association with key events in Islamic history, including the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad from mecca to Medina, which marks the beginning of the Islamic era.

Frequently Asked Questions about moon Sighting

• What is Rabi-us-Sani? It is the fourth month in the Islamic calendar, following Rabi-ul-Awwal.
• Why is moon sighting crucial in Islam? It determines the start and end of Islamic months, dictating religious observances.
• How does SUPARCO contribute to moon sighting? It provides astronomical data and predictions to aid in the sighting process.
• What happens if the moon isn’t sighted? If the moon isn’t sighted, the previous month is extended by an additional day.
• Is moon sighting the same everywhere? While the principle is the same, different regions may have slightly different sighting confirmations.

share your thoughts on this important religious event in the comments below!

What criteria dose the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee use to evaluate the credibility of moon sighting reports?

Understanding the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee & Moon Sighting

The central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee,operating under the Pakistani Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony,plays a crucial role in determining the start of Islamic months. This process, known as hilal sighting, is basic to the Islamic lunar calendar. Recent reports from Radio Pakistan confirm the committee convened on September 23, 2025, to sight the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon. This is a significant event for Muslims, as Rabi-ul-Awwal marks the birth month of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The committeeS decision directly impacts the observance of religious dates, including Mawlid al-Nabi (the Prophet’s birthday). Accurate moon sighting is therefore vital for unified observance across Pakistan and by the diaspora following the same calendar.

The Rabi-ul-Awwal Moon Sighting Process in 2025

The process of determining the new moon isn’t simply about looking at the sky. It’s a carefully coordinated effort involving:

* Zonal Committees: The Central ruet-e-Hilal Committee relies on a network of zonal committees stationed across Pakistan. These committees are responsible for receiving and verifying reports of moon sightings from the public.

* Public Reporting: Citizens are encouraged to report any credible moon sightings to the relevant zonal committee or directly to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Contact information is typically publicized by radio Pakistan and othre media outlets.

* Evidence Evaluation: Reports are meticulously evaluated, considering factors like location, time, and corroborating evidence (photographs, videos, witness testimonies).

* Scientific data: Increasingly, the committee incorporates scientific data, including astronomical calculations and weather forecasts, to aid in its decision-making. This data helps predict the moon’s visibility and assess the likelihood of prosperous sightings.

* Final Announcement: Following deliberation, the committee announces its decision – whether the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon has been sighted and, consequently, the start date of the month.This announcement is broadcast nationally via Radio Pakistan and other news channels.

Factors affecting Hilal Visibility

Several factors can influence the ability to sight the new moon:

* Lunar Phase: The moon’s phase is the most critical factor. The new moon is only visible as a thin crescent shortly after sunset.

* Geographical Location: Latitude and longitude play a role. Locations closer to the equator generally have better visibility.

* Weather Conditions: Clear skies are essential. Cloud cover, haze, or smog can obstruct the view.

* Atmospheric Conditions: Atmospheric clarity and pollution levels can affect visibility.

* Moonset/Sunset Timing: The timing of sunset and moonset relative to each other is crucial. A shorter time difference increases the chances of sighting.

Ancient Context of Ruet-e-Hilal in Pakistan

The practice of Ruet-e-Hilal has deep roots in Islamic tradition. In Pakistan, the formal system of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee was established to standardize the process and avoid discrepancies in moon sighting announcements.

Historically, disagreements over moon sightings have sometimes led to differing dates for Islamic holidays, causing confusion among the public. The committee aims to minimize these discrepancies by employing a systematic and obvious approach.

In the past, reliance was almost entirely on eyewitness accounts. The integration of scientific data is a relatively recent growth, reflecting a move towards a more evidence-based approach.

The Role of Radio Pakistan in Disseminating Information

Radio Pakistan plays a vital role in disseminating information related to the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s announcements. It serves as a primary source of information for many citizens, particularly in rural areas where access to other media may be limited.

Radio Pakistan broadcasts:

* Committee Meeting Updates: Live updates on the committee’s proceedings.

* Sighting Reports: Information on reported moon sightings from across the country.

* Official Announcements: The committee’s final decision regarding the start of Rabi-ul-Awwal.

* Educational Programs: Programs explaining the significance of the Islamic lunar calendar and the Ruet-e-Hilal process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rabi-ul-Awwal & Moon Sighting

* What is Rabi-ul-Awwal? it is indeed the third month in the Islamic calendar and holds immense significance as it marks the birth month of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

* When is Mawlid al-Nabi in 2025? The date of Mawlid al-Nabi will be determined based on the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s announcement of the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon sighting.

* How can I report a moon sighting? Contact the zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in your area or the