Muharram Moon Forecast: New Islamic Year Likely to Begin on June 17

Karachi (Digital Itla): The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has issued an initial forecast regarding the Muharram-ul-Haram moon sighting in Pakistan. According to the Secretary-General of the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, Khalid Ejaz Mufti, the new moon will be born on June 15, 2026, at 7:54 AM Pakistan Standard Time. However, at sunset on the same day, the age of the moon will be less than 12 hours. According to experts, the moon's age must generally be at least 18 hours or more for a visible crescent sighting. Khalid Ejaz Mufti explained that the time gap between sunset and moonset also plays a crucial role in moon sighting. According to him, on the evening of June 15, this difference will be 37 minutes in Karachi and 42 minutes in Peshawar; however, due to the young age of the moon, the chances of sighting it will be virtually non-existent. He added that because of the moon's young age, it will be impossible to see the crescent on the evening of June 15 with the naked eye, let alone with binoculars or a telescope. According to the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, if Zil-Hajj 1447 AH completes 30 days, the 1st of Muharram 1448 AH is likely to fall on June 17, 2026. However, the council clarified that the final announcement regarding the start of the new Islamic year and the Muharram moon sighting will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.