Saudi Arabia has announced that the first day of Muharram, the beginning of the new Islamic year, will be on Sunday, July 7, 2024.The Supreme Court made this decision after observers did not sight the crescent moon on Friday, July 5, 2024. As a result, the current Islamic month, Zilhajj, will last for 30 days, ending on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia issued a statement confirming the new dates: “The Crescent Sighting Committee of the Supreme Court decided that Saturday, 30/12/1445 AH according to the Umm Al Qura calendar, corresponding to July 6, 2024 AD, will be the completion of the month of Dhul Hijjah for the year 1445 AH as thirty days, and that Sunday, 1/1/1446 AH according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, corresponding to July 7, 2024 AD, will be the first day of the month of Muharram for the year 1446 AH.”
Muharram Holidays in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the authorities are also preparing to observe the moon for the new Islamic month. The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will finalize the exact dates for the start of Muharram. If the moon is sighted on the evening of July 6, then Muharram 1 will fall on July 7, and Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, will be observed on July 15 and 16, which are Monday and Tuesday. In this case, public holidays in Pakistan will also be on July 15 and 16.
Alternatively, if the new Islamic year starts on July 8, Ashura will fall on July 16 and 17, resulting in public holidays on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 16 and 17.
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This announcement marks the beginning of the Islamic year 1446 AH (Anno Hegirae) and is a significant event for Muslims worldwide, who follow the Islamic lunar calendar for their religious observances.