When Will Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 Start in Pakistan? Astronomers Predict Likely Date

Astronomers have predicted the likely start date of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH in Pakistan, suggesting that the Islamic month is expected to begin on Saturday, August 15, 2026, if current astronomical calculations remain unchanged.

According to astronomy experts, the new moon of Rabi’ al-Awwal will be born at 10:36 PM Pakistan Standard Time on the night between Wednesday, August 12, and Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Although the moon will be more than 20 hours old by sunset on Thursday, August 13 (29 Safar), experts say the crescent is unlikely to be visible across Pakistan because other key moon-sighting conditions are not expected to be met.

Astronomical calculations indicate that the gap between sunset and moonset will be around 32 minutes in Karachi and 27 minutes in Peshawar, which is below the minimum duration generally considered suitable for crescent visibility.

As a result, astronomers expect Safar 1448 AH to complete 30 days, making Saturday, August 15, 2026, the likely first day of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH in Pakistan.

If this prediction proves correct, 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, observed as Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ, is expected to fall on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

However, it is important to note that these dates are based on astronomical forecasts. The official announcement for the beginning of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH will be made by Pakistan’s moon-sighting authority after the crescent is sighted.