The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met Monday, June 15, 2026 [1], to sight the Muharram-ul-Haram moon and determine the start of the Islamic new year.

The meeting is critical for millions of Muslims in Pakistan who rely on the committee's official sighting to establish the calendar for religious observances. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact start date of Muharram varies each year based on the visibility of the crescent moon.

The committee convened to specifically sight the moon for 1448 AH [2]. This process involves gathering reports from various sighting committees across the country to confirm if the crescent was visible. The determination of the new year marks the beginning of the month of Muharram, which holds significant religious importance.

Official procedures for the sighting include the review of evidence provided by observers from different regions. The committee's decision serves as the authoritative guide for the public and religious institutions to synchronize their calendars. This ensures a unified start to the new Islamic year across the nation.

While the committee meets to finalize the date, the broader community awaits the official announcement. The sighting of the moon is the traditional and required method for transitioning between lunar months in the Islamic faith.

“The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met Monday, June 15, 2026, to sight the Muharram-ul-Haram moon.”

The sighting of the Muharram moon is more than a calendar event; it dictates the timing of the Islamic New Year and the subsequent period of mourning observed by many Muslims. By centralizing the sighting process through the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Pakistan aims to minimize discrepancies between different religious sects and regions, ensuring a standardized date for national observances.