Islamabad (Web Desk): The Ramadan moon was sighted on Saturday across Pakistan and the first day of fasting will take place on Sunday (March 2).
Earlier on Friday, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee had declared that the moon had not been sighted, postponing the beginning of the holy month to Sunday.
However, today, the moon was sighted in major cities throughout the country, confirming the start of Ramadan as predicted by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
In addition to Pakistan, Muslims in India and Bangladesh will also begin their fasts on March 2.
As the day approaches, mosques across the region are filled with worshippers preparing for Taraweeh prayers from tonight.
On Sunday morning, many will have their first sehri before the Fajr prayer, marking the beginning of a month of fasting.
It is pertinent to mention that people in Saudi Arabia observed their first fast today (Saturday).
Saudi Arabia is often the first to spot the moon for each Islamic month, with other Arab, Middle Eastern, and Western countries, as well as parts of India, following suit.
The arrival of Ramadan is met with deep devotion and enthusiasm across the Muslim world. During this sacred month, over a billion Muslims engage in fasting, seeking to cultivate patience and self-control while also focusing on charity and community welfare.
The Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar cycle, is roughly 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, meaning that Ramadan shifts annually on the latter. Due to this variation in dates, the start of the month moves each year according to the solar-based Gregorian calendar.