The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has officially announced that the Muharram moon has been sighted, which means the Islamic New Year, 1447 Hijri, has begun.
Ashura will be observed on Sunday, July 6. The announcement was made on Thursday evening by the committee's chairman, Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad, during a press conference after the monthly moon-sighting meeting.
Moulana Azad said that meetings of the central, zonal, and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees were held at the same time in their respective locations across the country. The committee received credible reports of moon sightings from several places and confirmed the start of Muharram.
Earlier in the evening, members of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee were observing the sky to sight the crescent moon of Muharram 1447 Hijri while people across the country waited for the official confirmation of the new Islamic year.
It was reported that the moon had not been sighted in Lahore and many other cities. By 8:30 PM, the Punjab Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed that no reliable moon-sighting reports had been received from any part of the province. Meanwhile, meetings of the Central and Zonal Committees continued in Quetta and other areas.
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Cloudy Skies Obstruct Muharram Moon
The sighting of Muharram moon was hampered Thursday evening amid widespread cloud cover across most parts of the country, including Lahore. Heavy clouds blanketed the sky, making it difficult for observers to view the new moon with the naked eye.
According to weather reports, overcast conditions prevailed in several regions since last evening, particularly affecting visibility during the crucial moon sighting window.
Committee Members Arriving in Quetta
Members of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, led by Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, have started arriving at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Quetta. The official meeting is expected to begin shortly.
Official Announcement
Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad will make the final announcement shortly. Religious and government officials across the country remain on standby.
Zonal Committees Convene Across Pakistan
Zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees are gathering in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad. Local observations will be compiled and shared with the central body.
SUPARCO Confirms Favorable Conditions
Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, has reiterated that the moon should be visible tonight. The crescent is expected to be over 28 hours old by sunset, the age suitable for visibility under clear skies.
Sunset Approaching in Most Cities
With sunset times nearing across the country, reports of potential sightings are expected to begin trickling in soon from various zones.
Weather Conditions Not Favorable in Most Regions
As clear skies are best for moon sighting, Quetta, Lahore, Islamabad are having cloudy condition, offering low factors for moon visibility.
Committee Begins Internal Consultations
Central Committee has started reviewing moon sighting reports from zonal and district offices. No official confirmation yet.
