The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee declared the sighting of the moon of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar, in Pakistan.
Chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the committee conducted the moon sighting session in Islamabad, successfully identifying the crescent even amidst challenging cloudy weather.
The inaugural day of Rajab 1445 AH is set for Saturday, January 13, ushering in a sacred month for Muslims. Rajab holds special significance as it commemorates the miraculous night journey of the Holy Prophet during Isra and Miraj. Additionally, it precedes the eagerly anticipated holy month of Ramazan, expected to commence in mid-April this year.
The moon sighting committee received valuable support from key entities such as the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Department of Meteorology. Their collaboration ensured the successful confirmation of the moon sighting on the 29th day of the lunar month, a ritual that signifies the commencement of the next month in the Islamic calendar.