The rabi-ul-awwal moon sighting process concluded on Thursday, confirming that the new lunar month will officially begin on Saturday, 15 August 2026. Because the moon was not sighted anywhere in Pakistan on Thursday evening, the month of Safar will complete 30 days, pushing the start of the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal to the weekend.

Key Dates for Your Calendar

For those planning ahead, the official notification from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony provides a clear timeline for the month ahead:

  • 1st Rabi-ul-Awwal: Saturday, 15 August 2026
  • 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal: Wednesday, 26 August 2026

These dates are crucial for both religious observances and national planning. The 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which marks Eid Milad-un-Nabi, is a public holiday across the country. Offices, banks, and educational institutions will remain closed on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.

Understanding the Moon Sighting Process

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, led by its chairman, held its meeting in Islamabad after the Asr prayers on Thursday. Representatives from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and SUPARCO were also involved in the deliberations. Despite the clear skies in many regions, the committee received no credible reports of sightings, leading to the formal announcement that the month would begin on Saturday.

This process is standard procedure in Pakistan to ensure national consensus on religious dates. While modern astronomical calculations from SUPARCO had already predicted the moon would not be visible on Thursday, the committee relies on both scientific data and physical testimony to finalize the decision. This dual approach helps maintain unity across the country, preventing regional discrepancies in celebrating key dates.

What You Should Do Now

Since the date is now officially set, you can finalize your personal and professional schedules for the end of August. If you are planning travel or events around the 26th of August, keep in mind that public transport and government services will operate on a holiday schedule that Wednesday.

Monitor official updates from the Ministry of Religious Affairs if you are involved in local processions or community events. While the main holiday is set for Wednesday, local administrations often have specific traffic plans or security protocols that are usually finalized a few days before the event. Stay tuned to local news outlets for updates on city-specific traffic diversions or event permits as we approach the date.