Central Ruet-e-Hilal Commitee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad has announced that the moon for the holy month of Muharram has been sighted.

As per the announcement, the first of Muharram 1447 Hijri will fall on June 27 (Friday), thereby meaning that Youm-e-Ashura (10th Muharram) will be observed on July 6.

Zonal meetings of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee were held in the provincial capitals of Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar.

In Quetta, the central committee meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex to determine the sighting of the Muharram 1447 AH moon. The session was presided over by Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.

The meeting included participation from Islamic scholars representing various schools of thought, as well as officials from the Meteorological Department and local district administration.

Speaking after the moon for Muharram was sighted, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad confirmed that credible moon sighting testimonies were received from Narowal, Chishtian, and Bahawalnagar. He noted that while cloudy weather was observed in most areas, the sky was clear in some regions, allowing for successful moon sightings.

Maulana Azad emphasized the spiritual and historical significance of Muharram, calling it a month of great respect and urging the nation to observe it with peace and unity. “We must promote unity among Muslims and ensure peace prevails throughout Muharram,” he said.

The chairman also praised the armed forces, stating: “We are proud of Pakistan’s armed forces. Pakistan and Iranian forces gave a befitting response to India and Israel. India was forced to back down in the face of Pakistan’s strong defense.”

Lahore:

The Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting held in Lahore. According to Auqaf DG Khalid Mahmood Sindhu, credible testimonies of moon sighting were received from Bahawalnagar and Narowal. However, due to cloudy weather in Lahore, chances of local moon sighting remained low.
The moon sighting window in Lahore was until 8:30pm. The final decision was announced by the Central Committee in Quetta.

Karachi:

The Zonal Committee meeting in Karachi was held at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, chaired by Allama Hafiz Muhammad Salafi. Participants include Chief Meteorologist Amir Haider Leghari and other Met Office representatives.

Other cities:

Zonal committee meetings are also being held in Islamabad and Peshawar to collect moon sighting reports.

The birth of the new moon took place at 3:32pm on June 25, indicating strong astronomical chances of moon sighting today.