The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on Thursday announced that the Rabiul Awwal moon was not sighted; therefore, the Islamic month will commence on Saturday, August 15 and Eid-i-Miladun Nabi is set to fall on August 26, according to a statement from the body.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting was held in Islamabad to sight the crescent moon of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH. Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad presided over the meeting, while zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committees also held meetings at their respective headquarters to sight the crescent moon.
Representatives from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and other relevant institutions provided technical assistance to the committee. After carefully reviewing reports and testimonies from various parts of the country, the committee concluded that no credible evidence of moon sighting had been received.
Consequently, the first of Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH will fall on Saturday, August 15, while the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 26.
The month of Rabi-ul-Awwal holds special religious significance for Muslims. Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) is celebrated across the country on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal with great devotion and reverence.
On this occasion, Milad-un-Nabi gatherings, Quran recitations, Naat recitations, and Durood-o-Salaam would be organised in mosques and other places. Homes, mosques and streets are also beautifully decorated to mark the occasion.
Religious scholars urge Muslims to follow the teachings, morals, and noble character of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). They emphasise that the true message of Miladun Nabi (PBUH) is to embrace the Sunnah and follow the exemplary life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).