ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said that the moon of Rajab is likely to be sighted on the evening of December 21 (Sunday), making Monday, December 22, the first day of Islamic month of Rajab.
According to the PMD, the moon is expected to be visible to naked eye after sunset on December 21.
The officials stated that weather and astronomical conditions are favourable for moon sighting that evening.
The prediction sets the stage for the start of Rajab across the country.
Moon visibility timings
The Met Office said that sunset in Karachi on December 21 will be at 5:48 p.m. The moon is likely to be visible at around 6:51 p.m., giving observers a clear sighting.
The officials said that moonlight is likely to persist for approximately 63 minutes after sunset, further increasing the chances of moon sighting.
Rajab moon age meets sighting criteria
The Met experts said that age of the Rajab moon in Karachi will be about 35 minutes at the time of sighting adding a minimum moon age of 30 minutes is generally considered suitable for visibility.
With the moon age exceeding this threshold, conditions are considered to be favourable for confirmed sighting.
Based on these observations, the first day of Rajab is likely to fall on Monday, December 22.
Rajab is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar and holds special significance for Muslims.
