Astronomers in Pakistan have issued a forecast regarding the expected start of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH, predicting that the Islamic month is likely to begin on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
According to astronomical calculations, after the completion of 30 days of Safar al-Muzaffar, the first day of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH is expected to fall on 15 August.
Experts said the new moon is expected to be born at 10:36pm Pakistan Standard Time between Wednesday night, 12 August, and Thursday, 13 August 2026.
According to the calculations, at sunset on Thursday, 13 August (29 Safar), the age of the moon will be more than 20 hours across all regions of Pakistan. However, experts said the moon is unlikely to be sighted that evening because other required conditions for moon visibility may not be met.
They added that the difference between sunset and moonset is expected to be around 32 minutes in Karachi and 27 minutes in Peshawar, which is below the minimum duration considered necessary for a possible sighting.
Based on these astronomical estimates, if the current conditions remain unchanged, Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH is expected to begin in Pakistan on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
The 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, observed as Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ, is expected to fall on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
