Saudi Arabia has announced the first day of Muharram 2024 following the non-sighting of the crescent moon on Friday, July 5.
According to a statement from the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, the new Islamic year will begin in the Kingdom on Sunday, July 7. Zilhajj will conclude after 30 days, with Saturday, July 6, being the final day of the month.
The Supreme Court’s statement specified: “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 complete the month of Dhul Hijjah for the year 1445 AH with thirty days.
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.”
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the authorities are preparing to sight the moon for the new Islamic month today. The dates for Ashura holidays in the country depend on the decision of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee regarding the sighting of the Muharram moon.
If the moon is sighted on the evening of July 6, Muharram 1 will fall on July 7, and Ashura will be observed on July 15 and 16, which are Monday and Tuesday. Consequently, public holidays will also be observed on July 15 and 16.
Alternatively, if the new Islamic year begins on July 8, Ashura will be observed on July 16 and 17, corresponding to Tuesday and Wednesday, with public holidays on July 16 and 17 accordingly.
