Youm-e-Ashura on July 29 as Muharram moon not sighted

Islamabad: The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on Tuesday announced that the Muharram moon has not been sighted in Pakistan and Youm-e-Ashur — Muharram 10 — will be observed on July 29 (Saturday).

The committee announced that the beginning of Muharram will fall on Thursday, July 20, this year.

Chairman of the committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad chaired over the meeting for the sighting.

Maulana Azad stated that while zonal crescent sighting committee meetings were held in every province, no proof had been received from any region of the nation at the time of the announcement.

It was previously reported by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) that there were minimal chances of seeing the Muharram moon on July 18 (Tuesday), the first day of the new Islamic year, 1445 AH.

The Muharram moon sighting marked the beginning of preparations for mourning processions and majalis in remembrance of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and other martyrs of Karbala.

The federal and provincial governments chalk out special security plans to maintain law and order prior in Pakistan to the Youm-e-Ashure on 10th of Muharram.