Muharram likely to start on June 27, Ashura on July 6

ISLAMABAD: The new Islamic year 1447 AH is likely to begin on Friday, June 27, as the Muharram moon is unlikely to be sighted on June 25.

According to astronomers, the birth of the Muharram moon will occur on June 25 at 3:31 PM, due to which it is unlikely to be seen with the naked eye on that day, especially in South Asia and the Middle East. They say that there is a strong possibility of the Muharram moon being sighted on June 26.

However, astronomers added that the moon is likely to be visible through telescopes in some parts of the United States on the evening of June 25. The global sighting of the new moon is more likely on Thursday, June 26, which strengthens the possibility that the first day of Muharram will be on Friday, June 27 in most regions, including Pakistan. If this prediction holds, the Day of Ashura, i.e. 10th Muharram, will be observed across the country on Sunday, July 6.

A meeting of religious authorities in Pakistan, including the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, is expected on June 26, in which the start of the new Islamic year will be officially announced based on reports of moon sighting.