National ( The cow news digital ) The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to meet today to determine the sighting of the crescent moon for the beginning of Muharram 1448 AH, marking the start of the Islamic new year and the month of mourning observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the meeting will be chaired by Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad and will be held at the historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Zonal committees across the country will also convene simultaneously to collect moon sighting reports from different regions.
The announcement of Muharram marks an important occasion in the Islamic calendar, particularly for the Muslim community in Pakistan, where religious observances and public holidays are observed with reverence. If the crescent is sighted, the Islamic month of Muharram will begin the following day; otherwise, the current month will complete 30 days.
Meanwhile, similar moon sighting meetings are also expected to take place in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries later in the evening, as they follow regional lunar observations for the commencement of Islamic months. The coordination of moon sighting efforts across different countries often results in either a unified or staggered start to the Islamic calendar months.
Muharram holds deep religious significance in Islam, especially for commemorating the events of Karbala. The first ten days, in particular, are observed with mourning ceremonies, processions, and religious gatherings by many communities around the world.
In Saudi Arabia, the start of Muharram is also associated with the annual ceremonial change of the Kiswa, the cloth covering of the Holy Kaaba. Traditionally, the replacement of the Kiswa takes place on the first day of Muharram, a practice that has evolved over time from earlier observance in the month of Dhul Hijjah.
Religious authorities have urged citizens to remain attentive to official announcements regarding the moon sighting, which will be communicated after the committee completes its deliberations and receives verified testimonies from across the country.
The final decision on the start of Muharram will be officially announced by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after sunset, based on credible moon sighting reports.
