Muslims across Pakistan and other countries are observing the sky for the Muharram moon. The sighting will confirm the start of the new Islamic year 1448 AH. Religious authorities are closely monitoring reports from different regions.
The process of Muharram moon sighting is currently underway in Pakistan and several Muslim countries. Official announcements will be made after sunset once verified crescent reports are received.
Pakistan Muharram Moon Sighting
In Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and religious scholars are actively observing the sky. Citizens are also taking part in the sighting using naked eyes and telescopes.
Authorities have asked people to immediately report any confirmed sighting. Reports must be sent to official moon sighting bodies for verification.
If the Muharram crescent is confirmed tonight, then 1 Muharram 1448 AH will begin on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. However, if the moon is not sighted, the current month will complete 30 days. In that case, Muharram will begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Muharram Moon Sighting in Other Countries
Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries are also observing the sky. The beginning of Muharram in Saudi Arabia is linked with important religious arrangements at the Holy Kaaba.
The United Arab Emirates has already announced a public holiday on June 15, 2026. This allows residents to observe the Islamic New Year with an extended weekend.
Countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Iran are also participating in coordinated moon sighting efforts. Many countries follow the lunar calendar system for the start of Muharram.
Other nations such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Malaysia, and Australia are also waiting for confirmation. In some countries, Muharram may begin a day later depending on local moon visibility.
Ashura 2026 Date
The date of Ashura, 10th Muharram, depends on the confirmed start of the month. If Muharram begins on June 16, Ashura will fall on June 25, 2026. If it starts on June 17, Ashura will be observed on June 26, 2026.
Ashura is a significant day in Islamic history. It marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala. It is also observed as a public holiday in Pakistan.
In other news read more about Annual Ceremony of Ka’bah Kiswa Replacement To Mark Islamic New Year
The official start of Muharram 1448 AH will be confirmed after final verification of moon sighting reports by authorities.
