SUPARCO predicts Rabi-us-Sani moon sighting

ISLAMABAD: The new moon of Rabi-us-Sani 1448 Hijri is likely to be sighted in Pakistan on the evening of September 12, according to a forecast by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).

SUPARCO said that the new moon was expected to be born at 8:27am Pakistan Standard Time on Friday, September 11.

At sunset on September 12, the moon will be about 34 hours and 33 minutes old, while the difference between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt will be around 39 minutes, according to the commission.

Based on these astronomical calculations, the crescent is likely to be visible to the naked eye in coastal areas on the evening of September 12, weather conditions permitting. In other parts of the country, it is expected to be visible through telescopes.

The first day of Rabi-us-Sani 1448 Hijri is therefore likely to fall on Sunday, September 13, marking the end of Rabi-ul-Awwal.

The final decision on the sighting of the Rabi-us-Sani crescent and the beginning of the new Islamic month will be made by Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

The committee is the authorised body responsible for announcing the start of Islamic months based on verified reports and credible sightings received from across the country.