Muharram expected to begin on June 17

Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH is expected to begin in Pakistan on Wednesday, June 17.

Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH is expected to begin in Pakistan on Wednesday, June 17, as the new moon is not expected to be visible anywhere in the country on the evening of June 15, according to astronomical calculations.

Secretary General of the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, Khalid Ejaz Mufti, said the new moon will be born at 7:54am Pakistan Standard Time on June 15. However, by sunset that day, the moon’s age across Pakistan will be less than 12 hours, which is well below the minimum age generally considered necessary for crescent sighting.

He explained that the time gap between sunset and moonset is also an important factor in determining whether the crescent can be seen. On June 15, this interval is expected to be around 37 minutes in Karachi and 42 minutes in Peshawar. Despite this, the moon’s young age would make its visibility highly unlikely.

According to Mufti, the Muharram crescent will not be visible on the evening of June 15, even if weather conditions remain clear. He said the moon is not expected to be sighted with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes.

Based on these calculations, the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council expects Muharram 1, 1448 AH to fall on Wednesday, June 17, after the completion of 30 days of Zil Hajj 1447 AH.

He clarified, however, that the official and Shariah-based announcement regarding the sighting of the Muharram moon and the beginning of the new Islamic year will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.