SUPARCO says the Rabi-us-Sani 1448 AH crescent is expected to be visible to the naked eye in coastal areas, subject to clear weather.

ISLAMABAD: The new moon of Rabi-us-Sani 1448 AH is expected to be born on September 11 at 8:27pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST), according to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).

According to SUPARCO’s astronomical calculations, the age of the new moon will be approximately 34 hours and 33 minutes at sunset on September 12.

The commission has estimated an interval of around 39 minutes between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt.

Based on these astronomical parameters, the crescent of Rabi-us-Sani is expected to be visible to the naked eye in coastal areas, provided weather conditions remain clear.

In other parts of Pakistan, the crescent is expected to be observable through telescopes on the evening of September 12.

Rabi-us-Sani likely to begin on September 13

If the crescent is sighted, the first day of Rabi-us-Sani 1448 AH is expected to fall on Sunday, September 13, marking the conclusion of the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awwal.

However, the final decision regarding the sighting of the Rabi-us-Sani crescent and the start of the new Islamic month will rest with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan.

The committee is the competent authority responsible for announcing the beginning of Islamic months in Pakistan based on credible witness testimonies and verified observations received from different parts of the country.

The final announcement will therefore be made after the crescent-sighting process is completed on the evening of September 12.

Crescent sighting remains decisive

While astronomical calculations provide guidance on the visibility of the crescent, the official beginning of Rabi-us-Sani will depend on the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

The committee will consider verified reports from across Pakistan before making the formal announcement.

The expected visibility of the crescent in coastal areas could therefore provide favourable conditions for observers on September 12, while people in other parts of the country may rely on telescopic observations.

The official announcement will determine whether September 13 is the first day of Rabi-us-Sani 1448 AH.