News Desk |
The head of Qatar Astronomical Society (QAS), Dr Khaled bin Abdulla Turki al Subaey, in his statement to Qatar News Agency on Monday, disclosed that according to astronomical observations, Tuesday- June 4th will be the final day of Ramadan for states that depended on the crescent moon sightings. Hence, the first of Shawwal is expected to be on Wednesday, June 5, making it the first day of Eid ul Fitr.
In what can be described as a rare occurrence, Pakistan is expected to celebrate the first day of Eid ul Fitr on the same day as Qatar. According to Pakistani government’s first moon sighting website’s Islamic Calendar, Wednesday, June 5 is the first day of Shawwal, hence the first day of Eid ul Fitr.
Fawad Ch. in his press statement on Sunday indicated the need to use science and religion side by side in accordance to the changing times and developments.
Pakistan to choose science over tradition for moon sighting process
In what is known as a landmark achievement of Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology, the launch of the country’s first Islamic calendar is expected to waive off the looming uncertainty that had persisted in the country for long.
The calendar has laid out a five-year planner for all the important Islamic events that are to be held for the next five years. This is an astonishing achievement for the country and its citizens who had remained doubtful of their celebrations for a long time. According to the five-year calendar, Pakistan will be celebrating this year’s Eid on June 5th, Eid 2020 will be on May 24th and Eid 2021 on May 14; the pro-active five-year planner has eased out family plans, celebrations, public holidays and other commitments.
According to Pakistani government’s first moon sighting website’s Islamic Calendar, Wednesday, June 5 is the first day of Shawwal, hence the first day of Eid ul Fitr.
Despite criticism and blasphemous allegations from extremist religious groups, the Minister of Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhary, has remained committed to his task to end the moon sighting dilemma of the Pakistani nation. Fawad Ch. in his press statement on Sunday indicated the need to use science and religion side by side in accordance to the changing times and developments.
He also reiterated the significance and admiration of religious scholars for guidance on many more issues of society. Declaring August as the Science and Technology Month for Pakistan, Fawad Ch. showed resolve in utilizing the optimal value of science to the maximum.
Read more: Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across the globe!
Qatar’s official statement yet to come
While the head of Qatar Astronomical Society (QAS), Dr Khaled bin Abdulla Turki al Subaey has confirmed the visibility of Shawwal’s moon on June 5, the Qatari government is yet to release a confirmation statement on the claim.
The Islamic Calendar on the website of Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs shows Tuesday, June 4 as the first day of Shawwal. The Qatari nationals and residents depend on Qatar’s Crescent Moon Sighting Committee of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs for moon sighting and Eid announcements.
An official statement is however, yet to be made by the Qatari government. While the statement is still pending, Pakistan, in a first, is officially set to celebrate its first day of Eid ul Fitr on June 5 all across the country. The steps taken by the present government are likely to bring a new wave of national unity and integrity between the masses.