The situation with regard to the commencement of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH is now clear. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has announced that the moon of Rabi-ul-Awwal was not sighted on August 13, and the first day of the Islamic month has been declared as August 15, 2026. Therefore, 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal will be on Wednesday, August 26.
Under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met for the moon sighting at the Kohsar Block of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The information received on the sighting of the moon from various parts of the country was discussed, and a final decision was made as per the procedure.
After the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee said that the sighting of the moon of Rabi-ul-Awwal could not be confirmed. Hence, the sowing of Rabi-ul-Awwal will start from 15th August. In addition, the date of 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal has also been clarified, which will be August 26 this year.
There were already scientific clues to the possible sighting of the moon. The chances of sighting the moon were low because the age of the moon at sunset on August 13 was estimated to be about 20 hours 53 minutes, Suparco said.
The scientific calculations also revealed that the first date of Rabi-ul-Awwal was likely to be August 15. But scientific predictions of the sighting of the moon are not final announcements. The start of the Islamic month in Pakistan is decided by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee based on the evidence received and the relevant procedures.
Rabi-ul-Awwal is one of the prominent months of the Islamic year. The 12th of this month is dedicated to religious gatherings and other activities in various cities of the country. Once the date of August 26 is announced, it will be easier for the institutions, administration and organisers to plan their programmes and settle administrative issues.
The announcement of the beginning of Rabi-ul-Awwal this year has coincided with the public discussion of scientific information regarding the sighting of the moon. The uncertainty surrounding the new Islamic date has been resolved after the experts’ predictions and the final call by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
