The Islamic calendar (Hijri year) comes to an end with the sacred month of Dhu al-Hijjah and is followed by the spiritual celebration of the Islamic New Year 1448 AH. Muharram-ul-Haram, the first month of Islamic calendar, is being celebrated by Muslims of the whole World and Pakistan in the spirit of religious piety, introspection and seriousness. People in different parts of Pakistan are waiting with anticipation to get official information regarding the beginning of the holy month of Muharram in June 2026.
The astronomical calculations, visibility information and meteorological reports have shed light on when the new crescent moon can be sighted over Pakistani skies.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Meeting and Scientific Forecasts
In Pakistan, the formal declaration regarding the commencement of any Islamic month relies heavily on the official findings of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The high level committee will meet on Monday 15th June 2026 (29th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH) in the evening to collect cross country testimonies for the crescent moon of Muharram 1448 AH. The meeting will be held in Badshahi Mosque, Lahore presided over by central chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad and zonal committee meetings in Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta.
But, renowned astronomists and Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council have stated that the likelihood of observing the moon on June 15 is almost impossible as the crescent moon is too young. Science-based parameters indicate:
The astronomical conjunction (birth of the new moon) will occur early morning June 15, 2026 at 7:54 AM PKT.
Age of the Crescent: When the evening sun will be setting over the major cities, namely Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore on June 15, the age of the moon will be less than 12 hours old. It is necessary for the crescent age to be at least 19-24 hours to bring it clearly out against the twilight glow by human eye or by using the conventional optical telescopes.
Moonset Lag Time: Although the moon will remain on the horizon for approximately 37 to 42 minutes after sunset, its extreme proximity to the sun means it will lack the required brightness to be visible.
Based on these verified astronomical constraints, Dhu al-Hijjah is mathematically certain to complete a full cycle of 30 days. Consequently, the Islamic New Year 1448 and the 1st of Muharram will officially begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 in Pakistan.
Expected Schedule for Muharram-ul-Haram 2026
Assuming the moon is not visible on June 15, the expected dates for the primary religious observances during the opening leg of the Islamic New Year 1448 in Pakistan are outlined below:
| Religious Milestone | Expected Hijri Date | Projected Gregorian Date | Day of the Week |
| Islamic New Year (1st Muharram) | 1st Muharram 1448 AH | June 17, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Tasu’a (9th Muharram) | 9th Muharram 1448 AH | June 25, 2026 | Thursday |
| Ashura (10th Muharram) | 10th Muharram 1448 AH | June 26, 2026 | Friday |
| End of Muharram | 29th/30th Muharram | Mid-July 2026 | Mid-Week |
The Historical and Spiritual Significance of Ashura
The peak of spiritual atmosphere in Muharram is on its 10th day, which is commonly referred to as Day of Ashura. This day is a day of great importance in Islamic history and teaches us the value of sacrifice, endurance and devotion.
Ashura is the actual day of Prophet Musa’s (Moses) deliverance and the deliverance of the Israelites from the tyranny of Pharaoh in history as Almighty Allah split the Red Sea and saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites. Prophet Musa fasted this day and then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised the Muslims to fast the 10th of Muharram, or the 9th or the 11th to distinguish it from the 10th of Ramadhan.
Ashura is also strongly linked to the tragic yet revolutionary Event of Karbala which is part of Islamic history. Imam Hussain ibn Ali and his family and companions made their valiant sacrifice for the cause of justice and oppression on this day. The day is meant to be an everlasting reminder to uphold the truth, morality and human dignity at all times.
The Federal Government of Pakistan has been observing officially two days of public holiday on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (June 25 and June 26) every year to celebrate this solemn occasion and provide the opportunity for the people to attend the processions and congregations to be in a state of grief and mourning in an appropriate way without any risk.
