According to astronomical estimates, the Hijri month of Shaaban is expected to begin on Friday, January 31st as the UAE Astronomy Centre announced on X on Tuesday.
Millions of Muslims worldwide observe the holy month of Ramadan which is preceded by the month of Shaaban. Ramadan is most likely to commence on March 1st while the precise timing will depend on geographic areas and moon sightings.
According to the centre, the crescent will be visible to the naked eye in all Muslim nations as well as South Europe, Africa and the United States on Thursday, January 30. Accordingly, January 31st will still be the first day of the fasting month in nations where Thursday is Rajab 29. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Morocco, Mauritania, Cameroon and Albania are some of these nations.