The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet today in Islamabad to observe the Rabi ul Awwal moon and announce whether the new Islamic month has begun in Pakistan.

The meeting will be chaired by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad. Members of the central committee and representatives of zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committees from different parts of the country will participate.

Officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan Meteorological Department and SUPARCO will also present astronomical calculations and technical information regarding the moon’s visibility.

Zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees will hold meetings in different cities to collect reports and testimonies regarding moon sighting. Their findings will then be forwarded to the central committee for the final decision.

SUPARCO has forecast that the Rabi ul Awwal moon is unlikely to be visible on August 13 based on astronomical calculations. The new moon is expected to become visible on August 14.

If the moon is sighted and confirmed on August 14, the first day of Rabi ul Awwal 1448 AH will fall on Saturday, August 15. In that case, 12 Rabi ul Awwal is expected to fall on Wednesday, August 26.

However, the final dates will only be confirmed by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after reviewing eyewitness reports and technical information.

Rabi ul Awwal holds special religious significance for Muslims. The 12th of Rabi ul Awwal is observed across Pakistan as Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ, with religious gatherings, Quran recitation, Naat and Durood-o-Salam sessions.

Mosques, homes and streets are also decorated, while scholars highlight the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ teachings, character and Sunnah.