New Islamic Year 1447 AH Begins on June 27
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Thursday confirmed the sighting of the Muharram-ul-Haram crescent, marking the start of the Islamic year 1447 AH. The new year will commence on Friday, June 27, while Ashura — the 10th of Muharram — will fall on Sunday, July 6.
The announcement was made by Committee Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad after a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Quetta. The session was attended by officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and SUPARCO (Pakistan’s national space agency).
Zonal and district moon sighting committees also held meetings at their respective headquarters, with the Islamabad zonal committee gathering at the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Secretariat.
Speaking to the media, Maulana Azad said, “The Muharram-ul-Haram crescent has been sighted. Friday, June 27, will be the first day of Muharram. The 9th of Muharram will be on Saturday, July 5, and Ashura will be observed on Sunday, July 6.”
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period of mourning in remembrance of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) — the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — and his companions who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala.
Security measures have been intensified across the country ahead of the processions that will be held during this holy month.
Earlier in the day, the Meteorological Department had warned that dusty conditions in Quetta might hinder moon visibility. It had estimated that the crescent could be visible between 8:10 PM and 9:00 PM, with an age of 28 hours and 38 minutes.
SUPARCO had projected that the Muharram moon would be born on June 25 at 3:32 PM. By sunset on June 26, its age was expected to be about 28 hours and 15 minutes. The agency also noted that coastal areas would have a 75-minute window between sunset and moonset, creating ideal conditions for spotting the crescent.
