Global Authorities Confirm Start of Sha’ban 1447 AH, Guiding Ramadan and Eid Planning

Greater clarity has emerged around the Islamic calendar for early 2026, as official religious authorities and astronomy bodies confirmed the start of the month of Sha’ban 1447 AH, providing greater visibility for governments, businesses, and communities planning ahead for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.

The Emirates Fatwa Council announced, after reviewing scientific data related to the sighting of the crescent moon in coordination with specialised scientific authorities and centres in the country, that Monday, January 19, 2026 CE, marks the completion of the month of Rajab 1447 AH, while Tuesday, January 20, 2026 CE, is the first day of Sha’ban 1447 AH.

Global crescent sightings have confirmed the start of Sha’ban. Members and associates of the Islamic Crescent Sighting Project, affiliated with the International Astronomy Center, reported that extensive observations were carried out on Monday, January 19, to determine the new month. The crescent was detected using astronomical imaging in Malaysia, Oman, the UAE (Abu Dhabi), Saudi Arabia (Medina), Iraq (Al Diwaniyah), Jordan (Irbid), Germany, and the United Kingdom. Visual sightings using telescopes were confirmed in Oman and Saudi Arabia, while observers in Virginia, USA, reported seeing the crescent with the naked eye.

Based on these observations, most Islamic countries will begin Sha’ban on Tuesday, January 20. Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Morocco, and Mauritania will start the month a day later, on Wednesday, January 21.

The confirmed dates have direct implications for Ramadan planning. In the countries starting Sha’ban on January 21, Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026 CE, unless cloudy conditions delay the official crescent sighting, which could push the start to Friday, February 20. Astronomical calculations indicate Ramadan is likely to begin between February 18 and 19, with Eid Al Fitr anticipated around March 20. Islamic months remain dependent on verified crescent sightings, overseen by official moon-sighting committees, including the UAE’s, and public holiday dates will be announced only after confirmation.

Improved weather conditions allowed the Al Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi, affiliated with the International Astronomy Center, to capture a clear image of the Sha’ban 1447 AH crescent on January 19 at 12:15 UAE time. At that moment, the moon was 6.9 degrees away from the sun.

According to the UAE’s cabinet resolution on public holidays, Eid Al-Fitr will be observed from 1 to 3 Shawwal, with three official holiday days across the country.

The advance confirmation of Sha’ban provides governments, businesses, and communities with a clearer framework for planning religious, social, and economic activities in the weeks leading to Ramadan and Eid.