Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 15

Religious authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday announced that the Islamic New Year 1448 AH would begin on Wednesday after the crescent moon marking the start of Muharram was not sighted anywhere in J&K.

Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said no credible reports of moon sighting had been received despite consultations with religious scholars and representatives of different Muslim communities.

“After consultations and coordination with religious scholars, including members of the Shia community, it was unanimously established that the crescent moon was not sighted,” he said.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is regarded as one of Islam’s four sacred months and holds particular significance for Muslims around the world.

The Grand Mufti extended greetings on the advent of the new year and prayed for peace and prosperity.

He also appealed for mutual respect and communal harmony during Muharram, particularly between different schools of thought within the Muslim community.

For Shia Muslims, the first ten days of Muharram commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions at Karbala, with observances culminating on Ashura.