Muharram moon not sighted, Ashura on July 17

Published July 6, 2024
A press conference of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee in Quetta on Saturday. — DawnNewsTV
A press conference of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee in Quetta on Saturday. — DawnNewsTV

The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on Saturday announced that the Muharram moon has not been sighted in the country, hence the first of Muharram will fall on July 8 (Monday).

Accordingly, the Ashura — Muharram 10 — will be observed on July 17 (Wednesday).

Addressing a press conference in Quetta, committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said the meeting was held at the deputy commissioner’s office while zonal committees also held meetings in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi.

“No testimony was received from any part of the country about the sighting of the moon,” he said, adding that it was thus consensually decided that the first of the month would be observed on July 8.

Maulana Azad said Muharram was counted amongst the most sacred months with many historic events taking place in it.

Muharram is a month of mourning, observed in particular by Shia Muslims worldwide.

It commemorates the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where amongst many, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Imam Husain, was martyred and other family members were martyred or subjected to humiliation.

Keeping in view the need for extra security due to the spike in religious activity during the first 10 days of Muharram, authorities make arrangements accordingly.

This time, the Punjab government earlier today imposed Section 144 across the province during Muharram in the light of “potential threats to public tranquillity, sectarian harmony and general law and order situation”.

According to an order issued by the Home Department, seen by Dawn.com, Section 144 would remain in place during the first 10 days of Muharram. The law empowers authorities to issue orders in the public interest that may place a ban on an activity for a specific period of time.

Today’s order came a day after the Punjab government requisitioned services of 150 Pakistan Army and Rangers companies to maintain law and order across the province during Muharram. A formal letter was sent to the interior ministry for this purpose.

A high-level security meeting a day ago also decided to enhance joint flag marches and snap-checking by the Rangers and police during Muharram in Karachi.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Thursday ordered the release of funds required for security measures during Muharram, saying maintaining law and order in the province was the top priority of his government.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...