When is Muharram 1448 in UK?

By Eng. Qamar Uddin, ICOUK (May 2026/D.Hijjah 1447)

On Mon, 15/6/2026, the crescent moon may be visible to the naked eye (after finding it with Optical Aids) [weather permitting] (parameters at UK sunset are: Age 17.8 hrs, Alt 7°, Elong 10°, Illum 0.9%, Lag 77 mins, Code C). Similar challenging moons of this type have been seen in the UK multiple times in the past by experienced moon sighters, Alhamdulillah.

Therefore, Muharram 1448 is likely to start on Tue, 16/6/2026, and Ashura (10 Muharram) is likely to be on Thu, 25/6/2026, provided there are multiple witnesses with photographic evidence of actual sightings (see FAQ), InshaAllah. 

Disclaimer: There is a difference of opinion among UK moon sighters about whether Optical Aids (i.e., binoculars or telescopes) should be accepted or not. The ICOUK ulama are of the view that it should be accepted, InshaAllah.  [Ref: bit.ly/OpticalAidsPolicy]

Reference: Summary of UK Moon Sighting Fatawa | Use of Optical Aids for UK Moon Sightings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

FAQ 1: Is it possible to see the Code C moon at all in the UK? If the weather is clear at the western horizon, then it would be possible to find the moon with optical aids (i.e., binoculars or telescopes) and then see it with the naked eye (by someone with 20/20 vision). If it’s partly cloudy, then it may be seen by optical aids only. If it’s totally cloudy, then it may not be seen by any means (including optical aids)!

FAQ 2: Is sighting by optical aids accepted in Shariah? Yes, it is accepted in all four Sunni Madhabs, since moonlight enters the eye through the glass lenses for Ruyat to take place. However, this is not the case with digital or astro-camera images (CCD/CMOS); hence, they are not accepted (on their own).

FAQ 3: Is there any need to report negative sightings? Yes, it’s important to report negative (not seen) sightings so that the ICOUK ulama panel (or other Hilal Committees) can make a rapid and accurate decision based on negative sighting reports (e.g., to complete 30-days) with minimal delays.

FAQ 4: Is there a difference of opinion on optical aids? Yes, some UK groups do not accept optical aids, especially those that follow foreign countries (e.g., Morocco or South Africa), but the ICOUK ulama panel considers them acceptable, provided all other testimony conditions are met.

FAQ 5: What is the world record for naked eye sighting? The ICOP website states the world record for the moon seen with the naked eye to be 15 hrs old with 7° elongation and 39 mins lag-time (from 1500m height). The lunar parameters on Monday, 15/6/2026 (UK), are well above these values, and hence it is not “impossible” to be seen by the naked eye (or optical aids) from the UK.

FAQ 6: Is it necessary to photograph the moon? Yes, it is highly recommended to take photographs of the moon (and the western horizon), especially if the sky is cloudy. It will remove potential doubts and provide a higher degree of certainty (satisfaction of the heart/اطمینانِ قلب) to the ICOUK ulama panel.