Islamic year 1447 begins in Pakistan as Muharram moon sighted

QUETTA: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has announced the sighting of Muharram moon, marking the beginning of new Islamic year 1447 in Pakistan.

The announcement was made by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad during a press conference in Quetta on Thursday.

Maulana announced that with the sighting of moon, first Muharram will be observed in Pakistan on Friday, June 27.

Youm-e-Ashura in the country will be observed on Sunday, July 6, he stated.

The announcement of Muharram moon sighting was made after getting witnesses from zonal moon sighting committees, which met in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad.

The central committee met at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Sariab Road, Quetta. Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) attended the session.

Before the Ruet-e-Hilal session, SUPARCO had forecasted in a statement that weather conditions in Quetta are currently dusty, but if visibility improves, there is a chance that the Muharram moon may be sighted.

SUPARCO had identified the coastal areas of Balochistan, including Gwadar, Pasni, and Jiwani, for having better prospects for sighting the moon.

Muharram is with the first month of the Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar, which is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days.

The calendar began in the year 622 CE, when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina. This migration is known as the Hijrah, and it marks Year 1 in the Islamic calendar.

Religious hatred on social media during Muharram to face action

Muharram is one of the four sacred Islamic months, holding paramount significance for Muslims around the globe.

Though the whole month is important, but he 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is one of the most significant days.

It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

Besides, on this day, Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers were saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fasted on 10th of Muharram and encouraged others to do the same.