Muharram moon likely to be sighted on July 18 in Pakistan

Muharram moon is likely to be sighted on July 18 in Pakistan, predicts the MET office.

However, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan will observe the crescent in Quetta under the chairmanship of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, and make the official announcement.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said, citing astronomical parameters, that the Muharram moon is likely to be sighted on July 18 (Tuesday), which will mark the beginning of the new Islamic year, 1445 AH in the country.

The new moon will be born on the crossing conjunction point at 11:32 pm on July 17 (Monday). Therefore, the crescent will be sighted the next day, MET said.


“According to astronomical parameters, there is a Slight Chance of sighting the new moon of Muharram, 1445 AH on the evening of 18-07-2023 i.e. on 29th of Zilhij, 1444 AH,” the PMD said in a notification issued in this regard.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar (also known as the Lunar or Hijri calendar) and the 10th day of Muharram marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA).