Muharram moon not sighted, Ashura on Aug 9

Srinagar, Jul 29: Grand Mufti, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam on Friday evening said the moon for Muharram-ul-Haram was not sighted anywhere and as such Sunday will mark the beginning of new Islamic Year – 1444 A.H.
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said that no witness’ could be made available on record regarding the sighting of moon, from any part of Jammu or Kashmir divisions. “The new year will as such start from Sunday, August 31, and the Ashura shall be observed on August 9”, Islam said.
In his message, the top Mufti urged Muslims to observe the ensuing eve with austerity and also asked them to pray for the overall well-being of Ummah, especially of youth. “People should refrain from indulging in immodest activities”, Islam said adding the ensuing eve has a fundamental message that we should not bow before falsehood and instead remain steadfast on what our religion teaches us. (GNS)