Muharram Moon 2026: Muslims are set to welcome New Islamic Year as Moon sighting is currently ongoing across Pakistan and several Muslim countries. Official announcements are expected after sunset based on verified crescent sightings.
Religious authorities are observing the crescent moon of Muharram al-Haram 1448 AH on Monday. The sighting will determine the end of the Islamic year 1447 AH and confirm the beginning of the new Hijri year 1448 AH.
Pakistan Moon Sighting
Ruet-e-Hilal, Pakistan’s moon sighting committee, religious scholars, and official bodies are actively awaiting reports from across the country. Citizens are also observing the sky using the naked eye as well as telescopes.
Authorities have instructed that any confirmed sighting should be reported immediately to the nearest religious court or official moon sighting authority for verification.
If the crescent is confirmed tonight:
1 Muharram 1448 AH will begin on Tuesday, June 16, 2026
If it is not confirmed
Zill Hajj will complete 30 days and 1 Muharram 1448 AH will begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Muharram Moon in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the beginning of Muharram is associated with important religious arrangements including the replacement of the Kiswah, the covering of the Kaaba. Umrah visa issuance began on May 31, 2026, supporting pilgrim travel ahead of the new Islamic year.
UAE Holiday
United Arab Emirates has declared Monday, June 15, 2026 as a public holiday for Islamic New Year. This creates an extended weekend for many workers.
Other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have not yet announced official holidays.
New Islamic Year 1448 AH
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Morocco, and Iran are also observing the sky tonight as part of coordinated moon sighting efforts. All countries are following the standard lunar method in which a new month begins only after verified crescent sighting, otherwise the current month completes 30 days.
Countries participating in or awaiting confirmation include the United States, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada, Turkiye, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Bahrain, Japan, and South Korea.
Countries expected to confirm the sighting a day later include Singapore, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, India, and Bangladesh. In these regions, Muharram may begin on June 17, 2026 depending on local observation.
ASHURA 2026 Date
The date of Youm-e-Ashura (10 Muharram) will depend on the confirmed start of Muharram. If Muharram begins on June 16, 2026, Ashura will fall on Thursday, June 25, 2026 If Muharram begins on June 17, 2026, Ashura will be observed on Friday, June 26, 2026 Ashura remains one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, and is public holiday in Pakistan.
Muharram was selected as the first month due to its long-standing sacred importance and historical relevance.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th day, Ashura, is associated with martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala. The start of Muharram 1448 AH will be confirmed once moon sighting reports are validated by national authorities.
About the Author
