The Pakistan Meteorological Department has released its initial astronomical projections for the upcoming Islamic calendar month, indicating when citizens can expect the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon sighting across the country. According to the weather office, the first of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH is expected to fall on Saturday, 15 August. Consequently, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, marking the blessed occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, is projected to be observed on Wednesday, 26 August.
Rabi-ul-Awwal Moon Sighting Projections
These preliminary dates give citizens and organizations an early timeline to plan their preparations for the sacred month. While scientific calculations provide a reliable window, the definitive announcement regarding the moon sighting rests entirely with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Here are the projected dates based on the meteorological forecast:
- First of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH: Saturday, 15 August
- 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal (Eid Milad-un-Nabi): Wednesday, 26 August
What You Should Do Next
If you are planning street decorations, milad gatherings, or community events, keep these expected dates in mind while waiting for formal confirmation. Local committees and city administrations across major urban centres like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar will roll out security and traffic plans closer to the actual sighting. Keep an eye on official announcements from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee around the 29th of Safar to confirm the exact start of the month.
What to Watch Out For
Watch for the official meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will convene in due course to gather testimony from across Pakistan. False rumors often circulate on social media regarding moon sightings ahead of time, so rely only on verified news sources and official government notifications before finalizing any large-scale event schedules.