Overview
- Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee reported no credible crescent sightings nationwide and set the first of Shaban 1447 AH for Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
- The committee met in Islamabad with zonal members, meteorological officials, and experts, and its decision aligned with SUPARCO’s projections.
- The UAE Fatwa Council declared Tuesday, January 20, as the first day of Shaban after reviewing scientific data with national astronomical authorities.
- Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi photographed the Shaban crescent, providing evidence referenced in the UAE’s determination.
- The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council had forecast poor visibility on January 19 in Pakistan and noted tentative projections pointing to Ramadan likely on February 19 and Shab-e-Barat in Pakistan on February 3.