LAHORE: An important development has come to light regarding the beginning of the new Islamic year. The Meteorological Department and experts related to sighting the crescent have released details about the moon of Muharram 1448 AH.
According to the Meteorological Department, the birth of the new moon will take place on June 15 at 7:54 am Pakistan time, however, the moon is unlikely to be visible across the country on the same day. According to experts, the birth of the moon alone is not enough for moon sighting, but the age of the moon at sunset, its height on the horizon, the angular distance between the sun and the moon and weather conditions also play a very important role.
According to the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, the age of the moon will be less than 12 hours in different parts of Pakistan at sunset on June 15, while generally the age of the moon for sighting the crescent is considered to be more than 18 hours. This is why the moon of Muharram-ul-Haram is not likely to be sighted on June 15.
The Meteorological Department says that the weather is expected to be clear or partly cloudy in most parts of the country on June 15, however, despite the clear weather, sighting will not be possible due to the reduced age of the moon. In this situation, it is being shown that the first of Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH will be on Wednesday, June 17.
The Islamic year begins with Muharram-ul-Haram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. This month has special religious and historical importance. With the beginning of Muharram-ul-Haram, arrangements are also started across the country regarding security, gatherings, processions and religious gatherings.
However, the final date of the moon of Muharram-ul-Haram and the first of Muharram will be announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The committee will make a formal announcement after reviewing the testimonies received from across the country, reports from the Meteorological Department and Sharia principles.
The public has been instructed to await the official announcement from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for a final announcement regarding the start of Muharram.
