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.
In Pakistan, the day dawns with a 31-gun salute in the Pakistani federal capital of Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in all provincial capitals.
The religious affairs ministry organizes the annual Seerat-un-Nabi Conference on the day to encourage research and discussion on various aspects of the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and their application in modern times.
Various conferences and events are held across the country, at which religious scholars highlight the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) to enlighten the daily lives and strengthen the moral fabric of society.
