Wednesday 17th July 2024 | Arbaa 10th Muharram 1446 [?]
Crescent Moon Visibility of Muharram 1442 AH

The crescent visibility map below for Muharram 1442 shows that moon will be born on 19 August 2020 at 2:42 GMT/UT, but it will not be visible by the naked-eye anywhere in the UK to Morocco region on that date. However, on 20 August 2020 the moon will be visible in the UK to Morocco region (and throughout the world). Hence, the month of Muharram is most likely to start from 21 August 2020, InShaAllah.

Visibility Map for Muharram 1442 AH (a)

Visibility Map for Muharram 1442 AH (b)

When to Observe the Crescent Moon of Muharram 1442 AH

Please look for the Hilal of Muharram 1442 AH on 19 - 20 August 2020 (29th Dhul Hijjah and the next day) after sunset from the western horizon and report your results (positive or negative) via our website Observation Report Form. [Photo Competition]

Results of Crescent Moon Observations for Muharram 1442 AH

ICOUK Moon Report

19 Aug 2020
United Kingdom

Blackburn

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Maulana Hidayatullah Patel from Blackburn City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.


Bolton

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Juned Patel from Bolton City in the Greater Manchester County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Juned Patel commented: "On Wednesday, 19th of August 2020 between 20:40 to 21:15 (Sunset 20:28 & Moonset 21:11) at Location: Edge Hill Rd, Bolton, BL3 3TF; I attempted to sight the crescent moon (Hilal) of Muharram. I was not able to sight the Hilal, the sky was completely covered with a very dense clouds".


Brentwood

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Hendrik Stahlberg from Brentwood City in the Essex County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Mr Hendrik Stahlberg commented: "Rain and heavy clouds, moon not spotted".


Bristol

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Tahir Mahmood from Bristol City in the Bristol County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Mr Tahir Mahmood commented: "Tried to observe the crescent but due to heavy cloud cover and rain was unsuccessful. Thus NEGATIVE sighting from Bristol".


Edinburgh

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Zahid Ali from Edinburgh City in the Scotland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Zahid Ali commented: "Heavy clouds".


Edinburgh

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Dr Rahail Chohan from Edinburgh City in the Scotland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.


Glasgow

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Akbar Ali Siddique from Glasgow City in the Scotland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Akbar Ali Siddique commented: "No moon sighted".


Hamilton

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Maulana Mohammed Zaid Ikram from Hamilton City in the South Lanarkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.


London (Dagenham)

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Imam Sabri Alabri from London (Dagenham) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Imam Sabri Alabri commented: "It was totally cloudy".


London (Leyton)

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Nasar Ramzan from London (Leyton) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Nasar Ramzan commented: "Solid cloud cover in all directions. Sighting not possible".


London (Wanstead)

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Tajammul Ali from London (Wanstead) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Mr Tajammul Ali commented: "A team of 3 brothers, using binoculars aswell as naked eye. Full cloudy condition along the horizon. No cloud break in view . Arrived at 8pm left the site at 8.50pm. Picture taken at 8.29pm. Negative sighting due to weather conditions".


Northampton

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Zaheer Ahmad from Northampton City in the Northamptonshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Zaheer Ahmad commented: "It was totally cloudy, so not possible to sight the hilal".


Nuneaton

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Yasin Akil from Nuneaton City in the Warwickshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.


Seaton

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Jaffer Dharamsi from Seaton City in the Devon County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Jaffer Dharamsi commented: "I stayed from 8.30pm till 9.00pm, but the rain did not stop and the cloud cover was total".


Southampton

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Iqbal Sharif from Southampton City in the Hampshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.


Swindon

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Atiff Ghafar from Swindon City in the Wiltshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Atiff Ghafar commented: "Full cloud cover with Western horizon making the sighting impossible today with rain also falling. ".


Walsall (Barr Beacon)

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Umar Hussain from Walsall (Barr Beacon) City in the West Midlands County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.


Jersey

St Ouen

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Eng Riaz Anjam from St Ouen City in the Channel Islands County (Jersey) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Eng Riaz Anjam commented: "Too cloudy".


Morocco

Benslimane

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Prof Hassan Talibi from Benslimane City in the Casablanca-Settat County (Morocco) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Prof Hassan Talibi commented: "قام مجموعة من الراصدين في منطاق مختلفة في المغرب فلم تثبت لهم رؤيته حتى في المناطق الجنوبية الغربية في الصحراء المغربية. Translation: 'A group of observers reported from different areas of Morocco, and their sighting was negative even in the southwestern regions of the Moroccan Sahara'".


Nador

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Abdessamad Doukkane from Nador City in the Oriental County (Morocco) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.


Saudi Arabia

Abha

Not seen after sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Hafiz Dr Ayyub Patel from Abha City in the Asir County (Saudi Arabia) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Hafiz Dr Ayyub Patel commented: "No crescent moon seen from ABHA today although the sky was clear with only a few patchy light clouds".


Turkey

Istanbul

Not seen before sunset: On 19 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Eng Qamar Uddin from Istanbul City in the Marmara County (Turkey) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Eng Qamar Uddin commented: "I was travelling in Turkey this week at short notice and decided to visit the highest vantage point in Istanbul called Camlica Hill (268m above sea level) with the largest mosque in Turkey next to it and was hoping to look for the Muharram 1442 Hilal after sunset from there. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to leave before sunset, so was unable to see the moon. It was almost sunset when I was crossing the Bosporus river near Uskudar ferry port (see attached photos). BTW, I hope to see the moon easily from York (UK) tomorrow (20/8/2020), weather permitting, InshaAllah".


20 Aug 2020
United Kingdom

Birmingham

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Mohammed Zabhier from Birmingham City in the West Midlands County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Mohammed Zabhier commented: "Not seen. Cloudy at horizon".


Blackburn

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Maulana Hidayatullah Patel from Blackburn City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Maulana Hidayatullah Patel commented: "Western horizon was cloudy".


Brentwood

Seen before sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Hendrik Stahlberg from Brentwood City in the Essex County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.

Mr Hendrik Stahlberg commented: "The hilal was seen before sunset.".


Bristol

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Tahir Mahmood from Bristol City in the Bristol County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Mr Tahir Mahmood commented: "Western horizon was covered with clouds. Despite efforts with naked eyes and binoculars the Hilal was not sighted".


Coalville

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Riyaz Bhikha from Coalville City in the Leicestershire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.

Mr Riyaz Bhikha commented: "My brother & I have seen the Hilal at 20:11 (from Bardon Hill, Coalville) and I took my first photo at 20:13 (using iPhone 7 mounted on binoculars). We saw the moon all the way unitil 20:40, after which is disappeared behind the clouds. [Comment update 28/8/2020 - Admin]".


Cradley Heath

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Modoris Ali from Cradley Heath City in the West Midlands County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Modoris Ali commented: "I could not see the moon, it was totally cloudy".


Croydon (Norbury)

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Umar Faruk Abdul Muthalif from Croydon (Norbury) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Umar Faruk Abdul Muthalif commented: "Sighted with brother Arief,Ameer and others".


Croydon (Riddelsdown)

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Shaykh Sulayman Gani from Croydon (Riddelsdown) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Shaykh Sulayman Gani commented: "I observed the over 40 hour old crescent moon today, Thursday 20 August 2020 with my daughter, Zahra. She spotted it first. I recorded the sighting live on Facebook".


Edinburgh

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Zahid Ali from Edinburgh City in the Scotland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Zahid Ali commented: "Too cloudy to observe the new moon".


Hounslow

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Syed Rashid Qadri from Hounslow City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Syed Rashid Qadri commented: "Watching from the back garden, I noticed dark clouds started to build up on horizon just before sunset. I felt disappointed but didn't give up. Finally, there was a break in clouds and the crescent was clearly visible [as] observed by myself, my wife and daughter".


Huddersfield

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Ibrahim George from Huddersfield City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Ibrahim George commented: "No crescent seen, cloud on the horizon".


Huddersfield

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Dr Abid Hussain from Huddersfield City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Dr Abid Hussain commented: "I tried to look for the hilal after sunset. It was rather cloudy and I did not manage to see the moon crescent. [Submitted on 21/8/2020]".


Leeds (Eccup)

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Ms Halima Nawaz from Leeds (Eccup) City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Halima Nawaz commented: "Very thin crescent seen clearly at 20:34. Stayed until 20:40 to confirm sighting and it remained visible throughout. More difficult to photograph using my iPhone but it is still visible on the photograph if you look carefully".


Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Ms Karen Khadija Hall from Leeds (Eccup) City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Karen Khadija Hall commented: "Hafiz Nasir and I saw the bottom part of the Crescent Moon around 8.45 pm, but were unable to take pictures as our cameras couldn't capture it. [Submitted on 21/8/2020 - Admin]".


Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Hafiz Nasir Sharif from Leeds (Eccup) City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Hafiz Nasir Sharif commented: "Was seen with naked eye but my phone camera was unable to pick this up [but could be seen faintly if you look carefully - submitted on 13/9/2020 - Admin]".


Leeds (Morely)

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Aqeel Saddiq from Leeds (Morely) City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Aqeel Saddiq commented: "The crescent was sighted with the naked eye before cloud moved and covered. Unfortunately it was too light for my iPhone camera to pick it up. The crescent was present in the centre of the photo uploaded".


Leicester

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Shaykh Muhammed Patel from Leicester City in the Leicestershire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Shaykh Muhammed Patel commented: "We came to spot the moon at sunset. The moon was immediately seen at sunset time as well as after sunset. Clearly visible in the sky".


Leicester (Evington)

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Eng Ismail Bhikha from Leicester (Evington) City in the Leicestershire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Eng Ismail Bhikha commented: "The Hilal was visible for approx. 10mins after Maghrib. It was seen with naked eyes by myself and my family. The sky was clear for the most part. The location was Evington Village in Leicester.".


London (Chingford)

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Asif Memon from London (Chingford) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Asif Memon commented: "After a promising day with clear skies and sunshine, the sighting effort was marred by thick cloud cover where the new crescent should have been. Attempts were made with a DSLR with standard 18-55mm lens as well as 25x70 binoculars but the cloud was unforgiving".


London (Hackney Marshes)

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Abubaker Sayed from London (Hackney Marshes) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Abubaker Sayed commented: "I attended Hackney Marshes with brother Musa, Himi and a few other local brothers. We witnessed the moon for a brief few minutes before it disappeared behind the clouds".


London (Leyton)

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Nasar Ramzan from London (Leyton) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Nasar Ramzan commented: "Despite cloud cover, I was able to see the glorious new crescent with naked eye about 25 minutes after sunset through a large gap in the clouds. The gap lasted a few minutes before solid cloud moved in and the new crescent disappeared. [2nd photo added 22/8/2020 - Admin]".


Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Ikram Haq from London (Leyton) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Ikram Haq commented: "Crescent as seen in Leyton London yesterday 20/08/2020 at 20:35pm. Altitude: 6 degrees above the horizon - 274 degrees W; Moon age: 40 hours (New moon at 02:41 UT 19/08/2020). [Submitted on 21/8/2020 - Admin]".


London (Southwark)

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Akhlakuddin Razzaque from London (Southwark) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Akhlakuddin Razzaque commented: "I was on a small hill at FWMC+72 Southwark, London [Google Plus Code for Burgess Park]. Sighted in between light clouds".


Middlesbrough

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Ms Shemanara Haq from Middlesbrough City in the Teesside County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Shemanara Haq commented: "Middlesbrough sunset 8.24pm and moonset 9.28pm. Negative sighting with clouds present observation with naked eye. 1st photo taken at 8.13pm before sunset and 2nd taken 9.12pm with iPhone 7. Observation up until 9.25pm".


Northampton

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Zaheer Ahmad from Northampton City in the Northamptonshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Zaheer Ahmad commented: "The Hilal was sighted around 15 mins after sunset with the naked eye".


Nuneaton

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Yasin Akil from Nuneaton City in the Warwickshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.


Nuneaton

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Ali Khan from Nuneaton City in the Warwickshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Mr Ali Khan commented: "Sky was overcast. Very little break in the clouds".


Sheffield

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Nasir Hussain from Sheffield City in the South Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Nasir Hussain commented: "Was cloudy at sunset but partially cleared 30 minutes later however, I still could not sight the hilal".


Southampton

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Iqbal Sharif from Southampton City in the Hampshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Iqbal Sharif commented: "Hilal seen between breaks in clouds. [Submitted on 21/8/2020 - Admin]".


Swindon

Not seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Atiff Ghafar from Swindon City in the Wiltshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Atiff Ghafar commented: "Heavy cloud cover tonight. May have been visible with optical aid but was attempting naked eye sighting. Cloud cover obscuring view".


York

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Eng Qamar Uddin from York City in the North Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.

Eng Qamar Uddin commented: "It was partly cloudy in York today (20/8/2020), but a thick bank of dark cloud was covering the entire western horizon, so the sunset was not seen. However, using my prior experience of sunset position from last month, I was able to estimate the correct location of the moon and was able to see it by binoculars (20x80) at 8:25 pm BST. I was then able to see it with the naked eye at 8:35 pm BST when the attached photos were taken. Unfortunately, the moon was hidden by a thick bank of clouds after about 10 minutes (of sunset prayer), so it was not seen again. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!".


Morocco

Benslimane

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Prof Hassan Talibi from Benslimane City in the Casablanca-Settat County (Morocco) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Prof Hassan Talibi commented: "تأكد رصد الهلال من راصدين مغاربة كثيرين من مناطق مختلفة من المملكة Translation: 'The observation of the crescent was confirmed positive by many Moroccan observers from different regions of the Moroccan Kingdom'".


Tangier

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Mr Hatim El-Harrak from Tangier City in the Tangier-Tetouan Al-Hoceima County (Morocco) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.

Mr Hatim El-Harrak commented: "In the name of of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful. The crescent moon of Muharram 1442 was observed in the evening of Thursday, 30 Dhu al-Hijjah 1441 AH corresponding to August 20, 2020 CE, with the grace of Allah, from Tangiers, Kingdom of Morocco. [Submitted on 22/8/2020 - Admin]".


Saudi Arabia

Abha

Seen after sunset: On 20 Aug 2020, ICOUK member Hafiz Dr Ayyub Patel from Abha City in the Asir County (Saudi Arabia) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.

Hafiz Dr Ayyub Patel commented: "Alhamdulillah it was easy to see the crescent moon today 10min after local magrib time".


Announcement for start of Muharram 1442 AH

On Wednesday 19th August 2020 (29th Dhul Hijjah 1441 AH) the Hilal of Muharram 1442 was not sighted in the UK to Morocco region. We have also received a negative sighting report from Morocco Awqaf Ministry (login to view).

Therefore, the month of Dhul Hijjah 1441 AH will complete 30-days and the month of Muharram 1442 AH will start from Friday 21st August 2020, making Ashura (10 Muharram) to fall on Sunday 30th August 2020, InShaAllah. It is recommended to fast 9th & 10th or 10th and 11th or all 3-days (9th, 10th and 11th), InshaAllah.

Significance of Ashura (10 Muharram)
1. Narrated Ibn `Abbas (R): When the Prophet (ﷺ) arrived at Medina he found that the Jews observed fast on the day of 'Ashura'. They were asked the reason for the fast. They replied, "This is the day when Allah caused Moses and the children of Israel to have victory over Pharaoh, so we fast on this day as a sign of glorifying it." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "We are closer to Moses than you." Then he ordered that fasting on this day should be observed. (Bukhari) http://sunnah.com/bukhari/63/168 
2. Abdullah b 'Abbas (R) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had said: "If I live till the next (year), I would definitely observe fast on the 9th [along with the 10th]", and the narration transmitted by Abu Bakr said: "He meant the day of Ashura." (Muslim) http://sunnah.com/muslim/13/173 
3. Abu Qatadah (R) narrated that: the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Fast the Day of Ashura, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive (the sins of) the year before it." (Tirmidhi) https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/8/71
Note that Saudi Arabia may announce the Muharram hilal on their SPA www.spa.gov.sa website.