The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore to sight the Muharram crescent moon [1].
The sighting is critical for determining the official start of the Islamic month and scheduling Ashura, a day of deep religious significance for Muslims. The timing of these observances depends on the physical sighting of the moon by the committee.
According to the committee's schedule, the meeting took place on June 15, 2026 [1]. However, other reports indicate that the crescent moon is expected to be seen on June 16 or June 17, 2026 [2], [3]. This discrepancy highlights the difference between the committee's formal convening and the astronomical window for a visible sighting.
Once the moon is officially sighted, the calendar for the month will be set. Current expectations place the date of Ashura on June 26, 2026 [1]. Ashura is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar, marking a period of mourning, and reflection.
Local authorities typically coordinate security and public health measures around the Ashura date to manage the large crowds that gather for processions. The confirmation of the date allows the government to finalize these arrangements and ensures that religious leaders can prepare their communities for the observances.
The committee's process remains the authoritative method for lunar sighting in Pakistan, bridging traditional observation with administrative planning for the state.
“The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore”
The coordination between the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and astronomical predictions is essential for maintaining social and religious order in Pakistan. Because Ashura involves massive public gatherings, any ambiguity in the moon sighting can lead to logistical challenges for security forces and differing dates of observance between various religious sects.
