Muslims across Pakistan are preparing to welcome the Islamic New Year 1448 AH as the month of Muharram is expected to begin in mid-June 2026.
According to an astronomical forecast issued by the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, the first day of Muharram is likely to fall on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The prediction is based on scientific calculations regarding the birth and visibility of the new moon.
The council’s Secretary General, Khalid Ejaz Mufti, said the new moon is expected to be born on June 15, 2026, at 7:54 AM. However, experts believe the crescent will not be visible across Pakistan on the evening of the same day.
Astronomical data shows that by sunset on June 15, the moon’s age will remain below 12 hours throughout the country. Experts generally consider a moon age of around 18 hours necessary for reliable crescent visibility.
In addition to the moon’s young age, the gap between sunset and moonset is expected to be limited. According to the forecast, the moon will remain above the horizon for only about 30 minutes after sunset.
Experts noted that these conditions make crescent sighting highly unlikely, even if weather conditions remain clear. They added that the crescent would not be visible with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes anywhere in Pakistan on that evening.
Based on these calculations, the council expects the current Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH to complete 30 days. As a result, the first day of Muharram 1448 AH is expected to begin on June 17.
The beginning of Muharram marks the start of a new Islamic year and holds great significance for Muslims around the world. The month is considered one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar.
Despite the forecast, officials stressed that the prediction is scientific in nature and should be treated as an advisory assessment only. The final decision regarding the start of the new Islamic year will be made through the official moon-sighting process.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan will hold its meeting to review moon-sighting reports from across the country before making an official announcement.
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Until then, the expected date remains a forecast, while the religiously binding declaration regarding the start of Muharram 1448 AH will be issued by the committee after evaluating all available evidence.
