The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has confirmed that the moon for Rabiul Awwal was not sighted on Thursday evening, which means Eid Miladun Nabi will be observed on Tuesday, 26 August 2025 across Pakistan.

This decision follows the committee’s meeting in Islamabad, where Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, the chairman, announced the sighting status after reviewing reports from provincial moon-sighting committees. The announcement means that the 12th of Rabiul Awwal—the traditional date for Eid Miladun Nabi—will fall on 26 August instead of the earlier expected date of 15 August.

Why the moon sighting matters for Pakistanis

For Muslims in Pakistan, the sighting of the moon marks the beginning of Islamic months and determines the dates of key religious events. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the official body responsible for moon sightings, relies on reports from regional committees in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. If the moon isn’t sighted on the 29th night of the previous month (in this case, Safar), the next day is counted as the 30th, and the following day becomes the 1st of the new month.

This year, the committee’s decision means:

  • Eid Miladun Nabi will be on 26 August 2025 (12 Rabiul Awwal).
  • Ashura (10 Muharram) was on 17 July 2025, marking the start of Muharram.
  • Eid-ul-Fitr in 2025 was on 11 April, based on the sighting of Shaban’s moon.
  • Ramadan 2025 started on 29 February, after the sighting of Rajab’s moon.

What changes for you this week

If you were planning to attend Milad gatherings, processions, or public events on 15 August, you’ll need to adjust your schedule. Many mosques, shrines, and Islamic organizations had already announced events for 15 August, assuming the moon would be sighted. Now, those plans will shift to 26 August.

  • Public holiday status: Eid Miladun Nabi is not a gazetted public holiday in Pakistan, but some private organizations and schools may adjust leave policies. Check with your employer or school administration.
  • Traffic and security: Major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi often see increased traffic on Milad days due to processions. With the date change, expect crowds to peak on 26 August instead.
  • Charity and donations: Many Muslims plan Zakat and charity during Rabiul Awwal. The shift in dates means your donation schedules may need realignment.

How the moon sighting process works in Pakistan

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee follows a structured process to confirm moon sightings:

  1. Regional reports: Local committees in each province submit their sighting reports to the central committee.
  2. Verification: The central committee reviews these reports, often consulting astronomical data as a secondary check.
  3. Announcement: The chairman announces the final decision, which is then broadcast nationwide.

This year, the committee relied on reports from Quetta, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, where no sightings were confirmed. The decision aligns with the Islamic principle that a month cannot be less than 29 days, so if the moon isn’t sighted, the month is extended to 30 days.

What to do next

If you’re organizing an event or attending one, here’s what you should do:

  • Update your plans: Shift any Milad-related events, gatherings, or processions to 26 August.
  • Check local announcements: Some mosques and organizations may issue separate statements, so verify with your local imam or committee.
  • Plan for traffic: If you’re traveling to a major city for Milad, expect delays on 26 August, especially in areas like Data Darbar (Lahore), Abdullah Shah Ghazi (Karachi), or Bari Imam (Islamabad).
  • Charity reminders: If you’re planning to donate, note that many organizations accept funds throughout Rabiul Awwal, so the date change won’t disrupt long-term plans.

When will the next moon sighting happen?

The next major Islamic date in Pakistan will be Eid-ul-Azha, expected to fall on 6 June 2026 (10 Zilhajj). The moon for Zilhajj will be sighted around 25 May 2026, and the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will announce the exact date closer to the time.

For now, mark your calendars for 26 August 2025 and adjust your plans accordingly. The committee’s decision is final, and Pakistanis will observe Eid Miladun Nabi on that date.

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