Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs has officially declared that Friday, January 31, will mark the first day of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.
The ministry confirmed in a statement that the crescent moon for the month of Sha’ban was sighted on Thursday, January 30, corresponding to 29 Rajab 1446 of the Hijri calendar, following sunset. It notably said that “the appearance of the crescent moon has been verified.”
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 1st will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
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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.
