Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meets today for Muharram moon sighting

QUETTA: The central moon sighting body will meet today (Tuesday) in Quetta for the sighting of Muharram crescent — the beginning of new Islamic calendar.

The meeting will be presided over by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.

Zonal committees will also hold meetings for the sighting of Muharram moon in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar on the same day.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) citing astronomical parameters said there are slim chances of sighting the Muharram moon on July 18 (Tuesday), which will mark the beginning of the new Islamic year, 1445 AH.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meets on the 29th of every Islamic month and announce whether the crescent sighted or not.

Preparations for mourning processions and majalis start with Muharram crescent sighting to remember the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and other martyrs of Karbala.

The federal and provincial governments chalk out special security plans to maintain law and order prior to the Youm-e-Ashure on 10th of Muharram.