ISLAMABAD – Shaban will start on Wednesday, January 21, after the moon for the eighth month of the Islamic calendar was not sighted on Monday, Ruet body said Monday.
Muslims around the country will observe Shab-e-Barat on February 3, marking the 14th of Shaban.
Shaban Moon not sighted in Pakistan
The crucial meeting was presided over by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, Kohsar Block, Islamabad, while other committee members attended zonal meetings across various regions to verify sightings.
Shaban, the eighth month in the Islamic calendar, is of great religious importance, especially as it precedes the holy month of Ramadan. This announcement provides the official timeline for Muslims to prepare for prayers, fasting, and other observances associated with Shab-e-Barat.
Scholars, experts, and officials of Pakistan’s top moon sighting body gathered under one roof to sight crescent of Shaban 1447.
A closely watched meeting of Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has been convened today to determine the sighting of the Sha‘ban moon, a decision that will set the religious calendar in motion across the country.
The high-profile session will take place in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, with full participation from Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee members as well as zonal committee representatives from across Pakistan.
The meeting will also be attended by officials of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, astronomy experts, and representatives of relevant institutions, highlighting the importance of scientific and technical input alongside traditional moon-sighting testimony.
Simultaneously, zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meetings will be held in Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit, where reports and observations will be collected and relayed to the central body.
After reviewing all evidence, testimonies, and expert analysis, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will issue the final and authoritative announcement regarding the sighting of the Sha‘ban moon—an announcement eagerly awaited by millions across the country
Muslims are excited about Shabān because it is a spiritually significant month that serves as preparation for Ramadan. It is a time when many increase worship, fasting, and reflection, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, who fasted frequently during this month.
Shaban is also believed to be a time when deeds are presented to Allah SWT, encouraging Muslims to seek forgiveness and improve their actions. Additionally, the middle night of Shaʿbān is regarded by many as a moment of mercy and reflection, and the month is valued because it is often overlooked despite its importance.
