Muharram 1448 AH to begin today: J&K Shia Association

The All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association (AJKSA) on Tuesday announced that the first day of Muharram-ul-Haram, 1448 AH, will be observed on Wednesday, June 17, following confirmation of the crescent moon through authenticated reports received from different parts of the country.

In a statement issued by its Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the association said that due to overcast and cloudy weather conditions, the crescent moon could not be sighted from the Meteorological Centre at Rambagh in Srinagar.

However, the committee said reliable and authenticated evidence of moon sighting was received from other regions of India, leading to confirmation of the commencement of the new Islamic month. “Based on authenticated reports and evidence of moon sighting received from other parts of India, the moon for the month of Muharram has been confirmed,” the statement said.

Accordingly, the AJKSA Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, in accordance with Shia Islamic jurisprudence, declared that Wednesday, June 17, 2026, will be observed as the 1st of Muharram 1448 AH. The announcement marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and the start of the mourning period commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.

In its message, the association described Muharram as a month of sacrifice, steadfastness and remembrance, and prayed for strength to follow the path of truth, justice and devotion to the Ahlul Bayt (AS). With the commencement of Muharram, religious gatherings, majalis and mourning processions are expected to be held across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days, subject to local arrangements and observance schedules.