The Government of Sindh in Pakistan has announced the closure of all educational institutions on April 18, 2023, in observance of Shab-e-Qadar (27th Ramadan, 1444). The School, Education and Literacy Department issued a notification stating that all government and private educational institutions will remain closed on this day. The decision was made in pursuance of a Steering Committee Meeting of the School Education and Literacy Department held on February 22, 2022.
Shab-e-Qadar is also known as the night of power and is considered to be the holiest night in the Islamic calendar. Muslims across the country will observe this night with special prayers seeking forgiveness from Allah. The federal government has announced a five-day holiday on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr, which will be observed from April 21 to 25. This holiday will affect all government, semi-government, and private organizations, factories, banks, and educational institutions.
Ramadan 2023 began on March 23, following much confusion during the meeting for the moonsighting. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on April 20 to sight the Eid ul Fitr crescent moon, according to a statement issued by the religious affairs ministry. The meeting will be held at the religious affairs ministry in Islamabad and will be presided over by Ruet-e-Halal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad. The zonal committees will hold meetings at designated locations across the country.
The Sindh government’s announcement to keep schools, colleges, and other educational institutions closed on the 27th of Ramadan is in line with the observation of Laylat-al-Qadr. Laylat-al-Qadr is known as the Night of Power and is considered to be the holiest eve in the Islamic calendar. Muslims across the country will perform special prayers on this night. Angel Jibril revealed the Holy Qur’an’s first verses to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during this night.
The notification issued by the Sindh education department stated that government and private schools, colleges, and universities across the province will remain closed on April 18. The educational institutions also remained closed on April 12 on account of Youm-e-Ali. The closure of educational institutions during these important Islamic events demonstrates the government’s commitment to observing religious events and respecting the sentiments of the Muslim community.
