The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has forecast that the moon of Muharram-ul-Haram is likely to be sighted on June 16, paving the way for the beginning of the new Islamic year on June 17.
The new moon will be born on June 15 at 7:54 a.m. Pakistan Standard Time. However, astronomical calculations indicate that the crescent will not be visible across Pakistan on the same day due to its young age at the time of sunset.
In this regard, as per the Secretary General of the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, Khalid Ijaz Mufti, stated that the moon’s age at sunset on June 15 will be less than 12 hours in all parts of the country.
He explained that for a crescent to be visible under normal conditions, its age is generally required to be more than 18 hours.
He further noted that the interval between sunset and moonset is another important factor in determining the visibility of the crescent. On June 15, the difference between sunset and moonset is expected to be approximately 37 minutes in Karachi and 42 minutes in Peshawar.
The Council therefore predicts that the Muharram moon will most likely be sighted on June 16. As a result, the first day of Muharram-ul-Haram is expected to fall on June 17, while the month of Zil Hajj will complete its full 30-day duration.
The forecast suggests that the new Islamic year will begin on June 17. However, religious authorities have emphasized that the official announcement regarding the start of Muharram will be made only after the moon sighting process is completed.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council’s prediction is based on scientific and astronomical calculations, while the final decision regarding the sighting of the Muharram crescent will rest with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after receiving and verifying moon-sighting reports from across the country.
