ISLAMABAD: The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has shared its prediction regarding the sighting of the Muharram-ul-Haram crescent in Pakistan.
According to the council’s Secretary-General, Khalid Ejaz Mufti, the new moon will be born at 7:54 AM PKT on June 15, 2026.
However, by sunset that evening, the moon’s age will be under 12 hours across all parts of Pakistan—well below the 18 hours typically required for visibility.
He further explained that the duration between sunset and moonset is also crucial. On the evening of June 15, this interval will be 37 minutes in Karachi and 42 minutes in Peshawar. Due to the moon’s young age, it will not be visible to the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes, even if the skies are completely clear.
Consequently, the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council estimates that Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH will complete 30 days, meaning the 1st of Muharram 1448 AH will fall on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
He clarified that the official and final religious announcement regarding the start of the new Islamic year will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
