Shaban Crescent Confirmed, Triggering Varying Start Dates and Ramadan Forecasts

Overview

• UAE's Astronomy Centre confirmed the Shaban crescent on January 19 using astronomical imaging, establishing January 20 as the first day in the UAE.
• The crescent was documented via imaging or telescopes in Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Germany and the UK, and was seen with the naked eye in Virginia, US.
• Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Morocco and Mauritania set January 21 as the start of Shaban based on their local determinations.
• Pakistan reported national sightings and began Shaban on January 21, with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to confirm Ramadan after end-of-month testimonies; Ramadan would start on February 19 if Shaban is 29 days or February 20 if it runs 30 days.
• Early calendars and astronomy groups point to a mid-February start for Ramadan—often February 18–19—with UAE Awqaf listing February 19 as a possible first day and Eid Al Fitr falling on March 20 if the Shawwal crescent is seen on March 19; UAE holidays are slated for March 20–22 and Pakistan has provisionally set March 21–23, subject to moon sightings.