Muharram 1448 AH Likely Begins in Pakistan June 17 Amid New Moon Visibility Issue

Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH in Pakistan Expected to Begin on June 17

The first day of Muharram, a significant month for Muslims worldwide, is set to commence in Pakistan on Wednesday, June 17. This decision comes from the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, following astronomical calculations indicating that the new moon will not be visible across the country on the evening of June 15.

Khalid Ejaz Mufti, Secretary General of the council, stated that while the new moon is expected to appear at 7:54am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) on June 15, its age would be less than 12 hours by sunset. This significantly falls below the minimum age generally required for crescent sighting.

The interval between sunset and moonset also plays a crucial role in determining moon visibility. On June 15, this difference is expected to be 37 minutes in Karachi and 42 minutes in Peshawar. Despite these conditions, Mufti clarified that the new moon’s young age would make crescent sighting unlikely.

The council expects Muharram 1, 1448 AH to fall on Wednesday, June 17, after the completion of 30 days of Zil Hajj 1447 AH. However, an official and Shariah-based announcement regarding the sighting of the Muharram moon and the commencement of the new Islamic year will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.