The crescent moon for the Hijri (Islamic New Year) has been sighted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and other countries barring those located in Indian subcontinent on on Friday, August 30. With the sighting of crescent, Muharram or the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, has begun. The Hijri Year - 1441 - has commenced in the countries where the moon has been sighted. In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the moon would be spotted tomorrow, marking the beginning of Muharram. Muharram 2019: Hijri New Year Begins in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran And Other Countries Barring Indian Subcontinent

Astronomers had predicted the crescent moon to be sighted using an optical aid on August 30 in selected countries in North and South America. While it will be visible to naked eyes in other parts of the world on August 31. Last year, the month of Muharram began on September 11 last year. Muharram: Relevance, Importance and Key Facts About the 1st Month of Islamic New Year.

In Islam, the month starts with the sighting of a new moon. The beginning of every month is marked by the observance of a new moon. According to astrologers, the moon is 28 days old on Thursday. Which means that it is 28th of Dhu al Hijjah- the last month of Islamic (Hijri) Calendar.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2019 09:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).