Pakistan's space agency predicts Ramadan to begin on March 2

Pakistan's space agency announced on Monday that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will likely begin on March 2, with the subsequent Eid al-Fitr festival expected on March 31, based on astronomical calculations of the new moon's visibility.

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said the new moon will appear on February 28 at 5:45 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time, but will be difficult to observe due to its position and age.

"At sunset on February 28, the moon will be approximately 12 hours old with an altitude of only 5 degrees," a SUPARCO spokesperson said. "The angular distance between the moon and sun will be only 7 degrees, making the crescent invisible to the naked eye in Pakistan."

The agency noted that Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia may sight the crescent on February 28, potentially beginning Ramadan a day earlier on March 1.

While SUPARCO provides scientific forecasts based on astronomical calculations and modern observational data, the official determination of Ramadan's start rests with Pakistan's Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which examines moon-sighting testimonies from across the country.

The Islamic lunar calendar determines Ramadan's timing through observation of the crescent moon. For Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is a month of fasting from dawn until sunset, marking the time when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more than 1,400 years ago.

Following 29 or 30 days of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, or the "festival of breaking the fast." According to SUPARCO, the Shawwal moon that marks Eid is expected to be visible on March 30, indicating the festival will likely be observed on March 31 in Pakistan.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charitable giving, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah if physically and financially capable.