KARACHI The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has forecasted that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Muharram-ul-Haram is unlikely to be visible today, June 15. Based on their calculations, the Islamic New Year is expected to commence on Wednesday, June 17, with the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) falling on Friday, June 26.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to convene today to observe the moon and officially confirm the start of the new Islamic lunar year.
In an official statement, the committee’s Chairperson, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, will lead the meeting at Iqbal Hall within the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Additionally, the Islamabad Zonal Committee will meet at the Kohsar Block following Maghrib prayers. The committee will review testimonies regarding moon sightings from across Pakistan before making an official declaration.
According to SUPARCO’s astronomical analysis, the chances of sighting the moon on June 15 are minimal. The new moon was born at 7:54 am on June 15, and by sunset, it will be approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes old. This duration is generally considered insufficient for naked-eye visibility. Moreover, in coastal regions of Pakistan, the moonset is expected to occur roughly 40 minutes after sunset, further decreasing the likelihood of sighting the crescent.
Consequently, SUPARCO predicts that the moon will likely be visible on June 16, which would make June 17 the first day of Muharram. The Meteorological Department has also indicated that weather conditions across most parts of the country are expected to be clear or partly cloudy on the evening of June 15.
If the new Islamic year begins on June 17, then the observance of Ashura on the 10th of Muharram would fall on June 26, a Friday.
Despite these scientific and astronomical assessments, officials stressed that the final decision regarding the moon sighting and the official start of Muharram will be announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after verifying testimonies received from across the country.
