KARACHI: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission has said there is a chance of sighting the new moon of Shaban 1447 AH on the evening of January 20, 2026.
In a statement, SUPARCO said the moon will be born at the point of conjunction at 12:52am Pakistan Standard Time on Monday, January 19. Based on astronomical calculations, the moon may be visible on Tuesday evening, January 20, which will mark the 30th of Rajab.
The commission explained that by the evening of January 19, the moon’s age will be about 17 hours and 36 minutes. In coastal areas of Pakistan, the gap between sunset and moonset will be nearly 33 minutes. However, due to unfavourable conditions, the chances of spotting the moon with the naked eye on that day are very slim.
Because of this, the first day of Shaban is expected to fall on January 21.
SUPARCO clarified that the final decision about the start of the month will be announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the only authorised body to confirm the beginning of Islamic months based on verified moon sighting reports from across the country.
A meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is likely to be held on Monday evening, January 19, for the sighting of the Shaban moon. Zonal and district committees are also expected to meet to gather evidence from different regions.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Science and Technology has introduced a moon sighting mobile application named Ruet. Federal officials say modern technology has made the process easier and more efficient.
Shaban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.
Shab-e-Barat, also called Laylat al-Bara’ah or the Night of Forgiveness, falls on the 15th night of Shaban. It is regarded as a night of mercy and forgiveness. On this occasion, many people visit graveyards, clean the graves of their loved ones and pray for the departed. Some Muslims also observe fasting on the 15th day of the month.
In Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and several other countries, Shab-e-Barat is observed with deep religious devotion, as people gather in mosques and public places for prayers and recitation.