The crescent moon for Muharram has not been sighted in Pakistan, and the first day of this Islamic month will be on Monday, July 8. Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, made this announcement on Saturday.
Therefore, people will observe Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, on July 17. This decision came after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met in Quetta to sight the crescent moon of Muharram 1446 Hijri. Maulana Abdul Khabir led the meeting, and zonal and district bodies of the committee held meetings at their respective headquarters.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted that the moon would likely not be visible due to partly cloudy or cloudy weather in many parts of the country. The PMD expected the new moon to appear at 3:57 AM PST on July 6.
Significance of Muharram and Ashura
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram and marks the significant day when the enemies martyred Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his family members in the battle of Karbala.
During Muharram, faithful Muslims hold processions and gatherings called majalis across the country. Religious scholars address these gatherings under tight security, and thousands of law enforcers deploy to ensure safety.
To prevent the spread of hate material online, provincial governments have requested the suspension of six social media applications for about a week during Muharram. Additionally, the Sindh government has banned 143 religious speakers for 60 days as a security measure. The Punjab government has requested the services of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers and has announced a ban on pillion riding throughout the province.
However, the federal government has not decided to suspend internet services during Muharram, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior.