A major astronomical prediction has been made regarding the sighting of the Rabi’ al-Awwal moon in Pakistan, with 1 Rabi’ al-Awwal expected to fall on Saturday, August 15.
According to the Hilal Research Council, the moon for Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH is likely to be sighted in Pakistan on August 14, 2026, making August 15 the first day of the Islamic month.
Based on this forecast, 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, observed as Eid Milad-un-Nabi (ﷺ), is expected to fall on Wednesday, August 26.
The Council’s Secretary General, Khalid Ijaz Mufti, said the new moon will be born at 10:36 p.m. Pakistan time on the night between August 12 and 13. He added that the chances of sighting the moon on August 13 (29 Safar) are extremely low.
He explained that, in addition to the moon’s birth, a sufficient interval between sunset and moonset is necessary for visibility. Due to the moon’s young age and the insufficient time gap, Safar is expected to complete 30 days.
The Hilal Research Council clarified that these dates are based on astronomical calculations. The final announcement regarding the sighting of the Rabi’ al-Awwal moon and the date of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (ﷺ) will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after considering moon-sighting testimonies and issuing an official decision.
