Muharram 2024 Moon Sighting Update: Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Issues Statement
A meeting of Central and Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will be held on Saturday (Zilhaj 29) to sight the crescent of Muharram-ul-Hrram 1446 A.H.
The meeting, to be chaired by Chairman of the moon-sighting body Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, would be held in the building of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) camp office in Quetta, said an official of Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Earlier, the Met Office had said that the Muharram moon was unlikely to be seen on Saturday.
The PMD, in its statement issued on June 20, said that the new moon of Muharram will be born on the crossing conjunction point at 03:57 PST on July 6.
“According to astronomical parameters, there is no chance of sighting the new moon of Muharram on the evening of July 6, i.e. on the 29th of Zilhij 1445 AH,” the statement added.
According to the PMD, the weather is also expected to be partly cloudy or cloudy in most parts of the country on Saturday.
The sighting of the Muharram moon is critical as it determines the start of Muharram, which is expected to begin on July 8 this year in Pakistan and other Asian countries. However, the exact dates will be determined after the sighting of the moon. Accordingly, Youm-e-Ashur (Day of Ashura) is anticipated to be observed on July 17, falling on a Wednesday.
Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, is a day of significant religious observance, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at Karbala. The day is marked by mourning processions and gatherings across all cities and towns of Pakistan, reflecting on the sacrifices made for the preservation of Islam.
To facilitate observance, the federal government traditionally declares public holidays on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
History Of Muharram:
For Muslims, Muharram is the month of mourning. It is observed in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions. According to Islamic beliefs, in the year 61 Hijri (680 AD), Imam Hussain, (a.s) the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and about 72 of his companions were martyred in Karbala, Iraq, on the 10th day of Muharram. Therefore, this day is observed as Yaum-e-Ashura.
On this day, people wear black clothes and take out Taziya processions in various cities. The Taziya is considered a symbol of Imam Hussain’s grave.
