Saudi Arabia announces '30 days until Ramadan' after Shaban moonsighting
The start date of Shaban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar immediately before Ramadan, has been announced in Saudi Arabia. In a declaration that the first day of Shaban will be Friday, January 31, officials said it was now "30 days until Ramadan."
The date could vary elsewhere due to differences in moon visibility. In the UK, attempts will be made to look for the crescent of the new moon on the evening of Thursday, January 30, which is the 29th day of the existing month of Rajab. If the moon is seen, Shaban will begin on January 31 and if not, it will begin a day later on Saturday, February 1.
Moon visibility on January 30 won't be universal. Astronomical forecasts show it will be easily visible to the naked eye in the southern half of the UK, Africa, India, Pakistan, and Turkey, but observers would need perfect conditions to see it in the northern half of the UK or in Australia.
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In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which verifies moonsightings and announces dates, will meet on January 30 at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Islamabad. It will review reports sent in from across the country before making a decision on the start of Shaban.
Shaban is often known as the neglected month because it falls between Rajab and Ramadan, two of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar. But experts say it should be seen as an important time to get ready for Ramadan.
The Prophet Muhammad recommended fasting on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Shaban, or at least on the 15th, as preparation for Ramadan. The 15th night - which in Islamic terms is between the 14th and 15th of the month as days run from sunset to sunset - is known as Mid-Shaban and is the date of Shab-e-Barat, which translates as the Night of Forgiveness or Night of Salvation.
Shab-e-Barat is marked with a nightlong vigil during which people pray to ask for forgiveness for themselves and their deceased ancestors. Some believe that on the night of Shab-e-Barat, God writes the destinies of all men and women for the coming year after considering all their past deeds, which is why such huge emphasis is placed on seeking forgiveness for any wrongdoing.
Shab-e-Barat is also known as Laylat al-Bara'at or Laylat an-Nisf. Based on the Saudi date announcement for the start of Shaban, it would fall on February 14. Many people regard it as a night of divine blessings and mercy as it is believed all sins will be forgiven except for those who hold hatred or grudges towards others in their hearts.
Gifts are given as part of these acts of forgiving each other and some offer help to those who are in need in a voluntary act of charity called Sadaqah. As well as donating money through charities and relief organisations, this can involve making food, teaching religious texts, taking care of someone's plants or animals, spending time with someone who needs support, or even the simple act of smiling at someone.
During Shaban, worshippers are also encouraged to increase their prayers and other acts of worship and make an extra effort to live in accordance with Islamic traditions and teachings.