Srinagar: While the Islamic new year begins in Saudi Arabia on, July 19, Wednesday, it will begin in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh on July 20, 2023, as the moon was not sighted this evening.
Confirming the start of the New Islamic Year 2023 and the Month of Muharram al-Haram from Wednesday, July 19, 2023, the Haramain released the significance of fasting on the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th days of Muharram.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday, July 19, 2023) will be the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1445H”, the Haramain said.
Accordingly, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Morocco will also greet the Islamic New Year 1445 AH from Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
The decision was made after no confirmed report of Muharram 2023 was received from any place in the Arab World.
Muslims in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the meantime will welcome the Islamic New Year 1445 H on Thursday, July 20, 2023, and Ashura 2023 on July 29, 2023.
Youme Ashura 1445 H, Ashura 2023, accordingly will be observed on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Arab World.
Central Hilal Committee of North America has meanwhile announced that the Islamic New Year will begin on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
“The Month of Muharram and the Islamic New Year of 1445 will begin on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The moon was not sighted today (Monday, July 17, 2023) Thus Zul Hijjah will complete 30 days”, it said.
The Haramain however while releasing the daily prayer schedule has marked Tuesday, July 18, 2023, as the 30th Dhul Hijjah 1444 H.
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee of Pakistan on Tuesday announced that the Muharram moon has not been sighted in the country, hence the first Muharram will fall on July 20 (Thursday).
“As you all know, the Islamic calendar begins with Muharram and today, we have announced the beginning of Muharram,” said committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad while making the announcement.
Accordingly, the Ashura — Muharram 10 — will be observed on July 29 (Saturday).
The announcement was made after a meeting of the committee in Quetta, presided over by Maulana Azad, according to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
Since Saudi Arabia will mark the first day of the Islamic New Year on July 19, India will gear up to sight the crescent moon of the Holy Month of Muharram a day later. Therefore, the first day of Muharram is expected to fall on Thursday, July 20.
