ISLAMABAD: The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has predicted that the 1st of Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH is likely to fall on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Pakistan, based on astronomical calculations related to the sighting of the new moon.
According to Khalid Ijaz Mufti, Secretary General of the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, the new moon for the Islamic month of Muharram will be born on June 15, 2026, at 7:54 AM Pakistan Standard Time.
Moon Age Too Young on June 15
Khalid Ijaz Mufti explained that although the moon will be born on June 15, its age at sunset across Pakistan will remain below 12 hours on the same day.
Astronomers and moon-sighting experts generally consider the moon’s age to be an important factor in determining whether it can be seen with the naked eye. In most cases, a moon younger than a certain threshold is extremely difficult to observe.
According to the Research Council, the crescent’s age on June 15 will be insufficient for reliable visibility anywhere in the country.
Crescent Visibility Requirements
The council noted that for the crescent moon to be visible under normal atmospheric conditions, its age is generally expected to exceed 18 hours at the time of sunset.
Other factors that influence moon sighting include:
- The moon’s altitude above the horizon.
- The angular distance between the moon and the sun.
- Weather conditions and atmospheric clarity.
- The duration for which the moon remains above the horizon after sunset.
Since the moon will be significantly younger than the commonly accepted visibility threshold on June 15, experts believe sighting the crescent on that evening will be highly unlikely.
Muharram Expected to Begin on June 17
Based on these astronomical calculations, the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has forecast that the crescent of Muharram is likely to be visible on the evening of June 16, making Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the probable first day of Muharram-ul-Haram in Pakistan.
If this prediction proves correct, the observance of Ashura (10th Muharram) would likely fall on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Official Announcement Still Pending
Despite the astronomical forecast, the final decision regarding the beginning of Muharram will be made by Pakistan’s official Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is responsible for confirming moon sightings and announcing the start of Islamic months.
The committee typically convenes on the 29th day of the preceding Islamic month to review moon-sighting reports received from across the country before making an official declaration.
Religious scholars emphasize that while astronomical calculations can provide useful guidance, the formal commencement of Islamic months in Pakistan remains subject to the committee’s official announcement.
Significance of Muharram
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam and marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. The month holds immense religious significance for Muslims around the world, particularly the first ten days, which culminate in the observance of Ashura.
Across Pakistan, Muharram is observed through religious gatherings, processions, sermons, and commemorative events, with authorities typically making extensive security and administrative arrangements ahead of the month.
With the expected arrival of Muharram on June 17, preparations for religious observances and public safety measures are likely to begin in the coming days, pending the official moon-sighting announcement.
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