Shaban Moon is expected to be sighted in Pakistan on January 20, 2026, following the conclusion of 30 days of Rajab-ul-Murajjab, the Ruyat-e-Hilal Research Council has predicted. Officials said the crescent was unlikely to be visible on Monday, January 19, due to unfavorable astronomical conditions.
Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti explained that the new moon will be born at 12:52 a.m. Pakistan Standard Time on the night between January 18 and 19. At sunset on January 19, the age of the moon will be less than 18 hours, while a minimum of 19 hours is generally required for visibility.
He added that the time difference between sunset and moonset will also be insufficient. In Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, the gap will be 29 minutes; in Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, and Charsadda, 30 minutes; in Quetta, 31 minutes; and in Karachi and Jiwani, 33 minutes. At least 40 minutes is usually needed for a successful sighting of the Shaban Moon.
Based on these calculations, the Council confirmed that the crescent will not be visible on January 19 with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes. Even clear weather conditions will not help in spotting the new moon.
The official announcement regarding the sighting of the Shaban Moon will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in accordance with Islamic religious procedures. Citizens are advised to follow official statements from the Committee for accurate information.
The sighting of the Shaban Moon marks the beginning of Shaban-ul-Muazzam, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, which precedes the holy month of Ramadan. Observers and religious scholars emphasize that accurate moon sighting is crucial for determining the correct dates for Islamic observances.
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Muslims across Pakistan will prepare for Shaban rituals and practices in anticipation of the official declaration. Authorities and local committees are coordinating to ensure timely announcements regarding the moon’s visibility.
