When does the month of Sha'ban begin astronomically?

Many citizens are wondering about the start date of Sha'ban 2026, especially with Ramadan approaching and Muslims eager to prepare for it spiritually and religiously. Precise astronomical calculations have revealed that the crescent moon of Sha'ban 1447 AH will be born on the evening of Sunday, the 29th of Rajab 1447 AH, corresponding to January 18, 2026 CE, at 10:54 PM Saudi time, after sunset.

According to these calculations, the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of its birth will be astronomically impossible, making Monday, January 19, 2026, the completion of the month of Rajab, so that Tuesday, January 20, 2026, will be the first day of the month of Sha’ban 1447 AH astronomically. The month will last 29 days, and Muslims are keen in this month to fast and increase acts of worship, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

Despite the clarity of the astronomical calculations, the confirmation of the legitimate sighting of the crescent moon remains the final deciding factor in determining the beginning of the month, according to what is announced by the fatwa councils and the competent religious authorities.