RUET E HILAL

The present system of moon sighting is based on a resolution passed by the National Assembly on 23rd January, 1974 . However, no legal mechanism could be developed for the purpose. Feeling importance of a legal mechanism, a Bill titled “Pakistan Ruet-e-Hilal Act, 2023” was drafted by this Ministry in consultation with the Provincial Governments to regulate the system of Moon sighting for commencement new Islamic month to bring harmony amongst the various schools of thought and to perform their religious obligations with unanimity throughout the country. The Pakistan Ruet-e-Hilal Act, 2023” was introduced in National Assembly after compliation of all codalformalities which has been passed from Parliament.

At present, in Pakistan there is a Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee at Federal level. For its assistance and help Zonal and District Ruet-e-Hilal Committees in each Province and District have been constituted by the respective Provincial and District Governments. A Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee at Islamabad Capital Territory is also working. Each Committee holds meeting in the evening of the 29^th of each Islamic month and is bound to pass the information about the sighting or otherwise regarding the Moon to the Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Only Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is authorized to announce the new moon