The Chairman of the Moon Sighting Committee in Pakistan, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, has introduced the graduation of 1446 A.H. And the date for Ashura.
Quetta: The moon for Muharram was not sighted. The details are that the chairman of the moon sighting committee announced the beginning of the year 1446 AH and the date for Ashura. The central meeting of the moon sighting committee regarding the new Hijri Year’s Moon took place at Quetta, while Zonal Moon sighting Committees also held their meetings.
The Zonal Moon Sighting Committee Lahore said that no area of Punjab, including Lahore, reported a sighting for Muharram. No province had any testimony about sighting the moon for Muharram either. Afterward, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Moon Sighting Committee, also revealed no evidence about any part of the country, including Quetta, where they could have witneJuly 8t. Henceforth, July 8 will be the 1st Muharam 1446 H.; however, Ashura, mainly celebrated on July 17, will be on July 17.
The central meeting in Quetta was an essential occasion as religious scholars and astronomers debated widely on whether or not to see it. This event brought together notable personalities from various parts of the country, indicating its significance. The committee considers traditional methods and modern astronomical data to ensure a holistic approach.
Similarly, the Zonal Moon Sighting Committee Lahore also met to see the moon for Muharram. Although some areas had clear skies, none saw it, confirming what Quetta had discovered. This lack of sightings across many regions underscores uniformity and rigidity among the Pakistani Muslim community regarding moon sightings.
His announcement, anticipated by followers, officially started the Islamic New Year. His statement further clarified that he received no credible report or testimony from any part of the country. This consensus at the national level is critical to maintaining unity and coherence in observance of Islamic occasions.
Earlier, meteorological experts had already indicated that the chances of seeing the moon were very slim. Due to its 16-hour age at the time of observation, it was impossible to see this moon. According to the expert, the moon would have been visible only until 8:27 PM in Quetta, after which it set. These scientific inputs also added clarity and reinforced what had been found out by moon-sighting commutes.
The moon-sighting process fuses traditional practices with modern science. In Pakistan, individuals across the country traditionally look at the sky and report their observations during moon sightings. These reports are then compiled and verified by the committees. Technological advancements have also come in recent years to supplement these traditional methods. On the other hand, “Astronomical data and calculations predict if a new Crescent Moon will be visible,” thus adding precision to the technique.
The statement of the first day of Muharram and Ashura is a crucial event for Muslims throughout the globe. The first month inside the Islamic lunar calendar, Muharram, is a time for meditation and grieving. Especially on the tenth day, known as Ashura, Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in Karbala. Determining these dates correctly is crucial for religious observances and planning.
No moon sighting occurred for Muharram anywhere in Pakistan, resulting in the announcement of July 1 8ram, 1446 AH on July 8, and ashuJuly 17e observed on July 17. The processes involved in sighting methods of the crescent, including both traditional methods and scientific knowledge, ensure thoroughness and accuracy in scheduling these vital events. Community agreement and unity achieved through this procedure epitomize indivisible efforts toward Islamic commemoration.
