ISLAMABAD: The crescent for the Islamic month of Rabi Al-Awwal could not be sighted in Pakistan, the religious affairs ministry announced on Sunday, with the country now due to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi on Sept. 6.
Rabi Al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic calendar. The month holds special significance for Muslims around the world as they observe the 12th of the month as Mawlid Al-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In Pakistan and some other countries in Asia, it is referred to as Eid Milad-un-Nabi.
On Sunday, the central moon-sighting committee held a session in the southern port city of Karachi, presided over by its chairman, Maulana Abdul Khabeer, to sight the Rabi Al-Awwal moon.
“The moon of Rabi Al-Awwal 1447 AH has not been sighted,” the religious affairs ministry said, citing a decision of the moon-sighting committee. “Therefore, the 1st Rabi Al-Awwal 1447 AH shall commence from Tuesday.”
Consequently, the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal will fall on Saturday, Sept. 6.
