Egypt Dar Al Ifta Declares Friday First Day of Rabi Al Awwal 1448

Dar al-Ifta announced that Friday, August 14, 2026, marks the first day of Rabi al-Awwal 1448 Hijri in Egypt. The decision follows unsuccessful attempts by scientific and religious committees to sight the crescent moon on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, leaving Thursday as the final day of Safar, according to official statements.

The Sighting Process and Official Calendar Confirmation

The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta deployed specialized religious and scientific committees across various governorates on the evening of Wednesday, August 12, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Safar 1448 AH. According to coverage from El-Watan News and Sout al-Omma, visual sightings of the lunar crescent proved unsuccessful. Consequently, the administration confirmed that Thursday, August 13, 2026, would serve as the completion day for the month of Safar, establishing Friday, August 14, as the official start of Rabi al-Awwal.

National Observances and Regional Celebrations

The arrival of Rabi al-Awwal carries profound cultural and religious significance across Egypt, most notably through preparations for the Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) celebrations. Municipalities and religious bodies, such as the Endowments Directorate in Luxor, immediately began organizing commemorative events within local mosques following the official calendar announcement, as reported by Al-Shorouk.

Global and State-Level Felicitations

Following the astronomical determination, Dar al-Ifta issued formal congratulatory messages extending well wishes to leadership across the region. According to official dispatches, greetings were sent to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as well as to kings, emirs, and presidents of Arab and Islamic nations, alongside Muslim communities worldwide. The statements expressed hopes for security, peace, and prosperity for Egypt and the broader Islamic world during this blessed lunar month.