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Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that the first day of Sha’ban, the eight month in the Islamic calendar, will be on Wednesday, February 22.
The crescent for the month of Sha’ban was not visible during the moon sighting held this evening, the ministry said in a statement. Therefore, Wednesday is the first day of Sha’ban.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Egypt announced Tuesday as the first day of Sha’ban.
Sha’ban is the month that precedes the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days – depending on the crescent sighting.
Astronomers believe that March 23 will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
Morocco’s ministry of Endowment has yet to confirm the exact date of Ramadan following the crescent sighting, which takes place a day or two prior to the start of Ramadan.
The month of Sha’ban is as important as Ramadan as it serves as a significant event helping Muslims to mentally and physically prepare for fasting and for conducting other spiritual activities.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to fast most of Sha’ban except for the “last few days of the month.”
Moroccans celebrate Sha’ban through different activities, including fasting, giving charity, house cleaning, shopping, and celebrating a ceremony called Sha’bana, where different food is served –including pastries.
