ISLAMABAD: The crescent for the month of Muharram could not be sighted in Pakistan and hence the holy month would begin on July 20, Pakistan’s central moon-sighting committee announced on Tuesday.
Muharram marks the beginning of the new year in the Islamic lunar calendar during which Shiite Muslims across Pakistan hold gatherings and organize processions to pay homage to Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The announcement by the central moon-sighting committee came after its meeting in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta, following which the religious affairs ministry issued a notification in this regard.
“The moon of Muharram UL HARAM, 1445, has not been sighted,” the ministry said in its notification. “Therefore, the first MUHARRAM UL HARAM, 1445, shall commence from Thursday, the 20th July, 2023.”
Consequent to the announcement, the 10th of Muharram, or the ‘Day of Ashura,’ will fall on July 29. Shiite Muslims across the country mourn Imam Hussain’s martyrdom on Ashura by holding rallies and processions.
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that July 19 would be the start of the Islamic new year 1445.
“According to the Umm Al-Qura calendar, Tuesday will be the last day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, 1444 Hijri, corresponding to July 18, 2023,” it said in a statement.
“Wednesday will be the first day of the month of Muharram, 1445 Hijri, corresponding to July 19, 2023.”
The name Hijri refers to the Hijra, or the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in 622 A.D.
The Islamic lunar calendar consists of twelve months beginning with Muharram and ending with Dhul Hijjah. Each month starts with the sighting of the new moon.
