A new astronomical forecast has been issued regarding the sighting of the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon in Pakistan, with the first day of the Islamic month expected to fall on Saturday, August 15.
According to the Hilal Research Council, the moon for Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH is likely to be sighted in Pakistan on Aug. 14, 2026. If the forecast is correct, Aug. 15 will mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.
Based on the forecast, 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, observed as Eid Milad-un-Nabi (ï·º), is expected to fall on Wednesday, August 26.
Hilal Research Council Secretary-General Khalid Ijaz Mufti said the new moon will be born at 10:36 p.m. Pakistan time on the night between Aug. 12 and 13. He said the chances of sighting the moon on Aug. 13, the 29th of Safar, are extremely low.
He explained that the moon’s birth alone is not enough for it to be visible. There must also be enough time between sunset and moonset. Because the moon will be very young and the time interval will be too short, Safar is expected to complete 30 days.
The Hilal Research Council said the dates are based on astronomical calculations. However, the final announcement on the sighting of the Rabi’ al-Awwal moon and the date of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (ï·º) will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after reviewing moon-sighting reports and issuing its official decision.
