Muharram Moon Unlikely to Be Sighted Today, 1st Muharram Expected on June 17: SUPARCO

Islamabad/Lahore: The SUPARCO has predicted that the crescent moon for Muharram-ul-Haram is unlikely to be sighted on June 15, making it likely that the first day of Muharram 1448 AH will fall on Wednesday, June 17, while Ashura (10th Muharram) is expected on Friday, June 26.

Meanwhile, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is set to meet today to observe the moon and determine the start of the new Islamic year. The meeting will be chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad at Iqbal Hall, Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, while zonal committees, including the Islamabad committee, will convene separately after Maghrib prayers.

According to SUPARCO’s astronomical assessment, the new moon was born at 7:54am on June 15, and by sunset its age will be approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes, which is generally considered insufficient for visibility with the naked eye. The agency further noted that the time gap between sunset and moonset in coastal areas is expected to be around 40 minutes, further reducing the chances of sighting.

Based on these parameters, SUPARCO indicated a strong likelihood that the crescent will be visible on June 16, leading to Muharram beginning on June 17. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also reported that weather conditions across most parts of the country are expected to remain clear or partly cloudy, which could support moon sighting on the following day.

If the forecast holds, the Day of Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, will fall on June 26.

Officials emphasized that despite scientific forecasts, the final and official announcement regarding the start of Muharram 1448 AH will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after reviewing verified moon-sighting testimonies from across the country.