ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Monday that the Muharram moon had not been sighted in the country. Therefore, 1st Muharram 1448 Hijri would fall on June 17, while Ashura would be observed on June 26.
Moon Sighting Announcement
The announcement was made by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad after a meeting at Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. "Today, a meeting was held at Badshahi Mosque to make the Shariah decision on sighting the moon for Muharram. No testimony of moon sighting was received from anywhere in the country; therefore, 1st Muharram 1448 will be on Wednesday, June 17, and Ashura will be observed on Friday, June 26," Azad said in a presser.
Significance of Muharram and Ashura
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, holds great religious significance for Muslims worldwide. For Shia Muslims, Ashura marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. Sunni Muslims also observe Ashura as a day of fasting and reflection, commemorating the liberation of Prophet Moses and the Israelites from Pharaoh.
Observances in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the government typically issues directives for security and public mourning during Muharram, especially on Ashura. Processions, gatherings, and religious events are held across the country, with heightened security measures to prevent any untoward incidents. The announcement by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee ensures that all observances are synchronized according to the official Islamic calendar.
