The Hilal Research Council has released its forecast for the sighting of the Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH moon in Pakistan.
According to the council, people are likely to sight the moon on August 14, 2026. If the prediction proves correct, the first day of Rabi-ul-Awwal will fall on Saturday, August 15.
Based on this expected date, 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, observed as Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ, is likely to fall on Wednesday, August 26.
Hilal Research Council Secretary-General Khalid Ijaz Mufti said the new moon would be born at 10:36 pm Pakistan time on the night between August 12 and 13.
He said there was very little chance of sighting the moon on August 13, which will be the 29th day of Safar.
Mufti explained that the moon’s age alone does not determine whether it can be sighted. A suitable period between sunset and moonset is also necessary.
He added that the moon will be too young and the time between sunset and moonset will be too short on August 13. Therefore, Safar is expected to complete 30 days.
The Hilal Research Council said its dates are based on astronomical calculations. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will announce the final date for the beginning of Rabi-ul-Awwal after receiving moon-sighting reports and following the official decision.
Also Read, Govt ends Saturday holiday in Schools
Earlier, the Balochistan government abolished the Saturday holiday in all government schools across the province. As a result, public schools will now operate six days a week.
According to an official notification issued by the provincial government, Sunday will now be the only weekly holiday for all government schools. Schools will remain open from Monday through Saturday.