.Islamabad, Pakistan: Muharram 1448 Pakistan is likely to begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as the crescent is unlikely to be visible on Monday, June 15.
The International Astronomical Centre said the new moon will be born at 02:54 UTC on June 15. In Pakistan, that corresponds to 7:54 am Pakistan Standard Time.
Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia are in the impossible-sighting zone for June 15. It said countries in that zone are expected to complete 30 days of Zil Hajj.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council also predicted that the Muharram crescent would not be visible in Pakistan on June 15. The moon’s age at sunset across Pakistan would remain below 12 hours, while visibility is generally possible when the crescent is at least 18 hours old.
The final announcement will come from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, expected to begin in Pakistan on June 17.
Read: Karbala Muharram Preparations Begin At Hazrat Abbas’s Shrine
In Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt and Turkey, observers may need telescopes to see the crescent on June 15. Mecca’s moonset is expected 41 minutes after sunset at an age of 14 hours and 36 minutes.
West Africa, southwest Europe and most of North and South America may see the crescent without equipment on June 15. Moonsighting said the crescent can be seen in the Americas on June 15 and should be visible worldwide on June 16.
Regional Hijri New Year Start Dates (1448 AH)
| Region / Country [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] | Date of 1 Muharram | Moon Sighting Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia | June 17, 2026 | Moon is too young to be sighted on June 15. Zil Hajj completes 30 days. |
| Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Middle Eastern Countries | June 16, 2026 | The crescent moon will be visible via telescope, allowing the month to start a day earlier. |
| West Africa, Americas | June 16, 2026 | The crescent moon will be clearly visible to the naked eye. |
