Muslims across Pakistan are eagerly awaiting arrival of Rabi-ul-Awwal, with excitement building as the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee prepares to announce the moon-sighting.
The moon-sighting session will take place in capital city under chairmanship of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad. Members of the central committee and representatives of zonal moon-sighting bodies will participate in the proceedings. The meeting will also bring together officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and SUPARCO, who will place astronomical calculations and technical assessments before the moon-sighting authorities.
While scientific data can provide guidance on the possibility of a crescent being visible, the official announcement will depend on the committee’s evaluation of credible sightings reported from across the country.
Moon-sighting committees at the zonal and district levels will simultaneously remain active in Islamabad and other cities. Their task will be to collect reports from observers and relay authenticated information to the central committee.
Astronomical projections have added to the anticipation surrounding Thursday’s proceedings. SUPARCO has indicated that the Rabi-ul-Awwal crescent is unlikely to be sighted on August 13, based on prevailing astronomical parameters.
According to a SUPARCO spokesperson, the new moon is expected to become visible on August 14. If the astronomical forecast is confirmed through accepted moon-sighting evidence, 1 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH will begin on Saturday, August 15.
That would place 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal on Wednesday, August 26, the expected date for Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) observances across Pakistan. The dates, however, remain subject to the formal announcement by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Why Muslims observe Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH)
Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) is observed by Muslims with deep religious reverence to commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
The day is traditionally marked through religious gatherings, conferences, Quran recitation, Naats and Salam. Homes, mosques, streets and other public spaces are also decorated, while food and drinks are distributed among people. Many devotees dedicate additional time to worship and prayer, particularly in mosques, during the occasion.
Religious scholars regularly stress that the significance of Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) extends beyond celebrations, urging Muslims to follow the Prophet’s teachings, character and guidance and reflect them in their everyday lives.
Islamabad’s Margalla hiking trails closed to public on Aug. 13
