The Emirates Astronomy Society has announced that the astronomical new moon (conjunction) is expected to occur on February 20, 2023 at 11.06am UAE time, as the Islamic world prepares for the start of the holy month of Sha’ban.
This means that the first day of Sha’ban will be observed astronomically on Tuesday, February 21.
The sighting of the first crescent of a new moon marks the beginning of each month in the Hijri calendar.
Sha’ban is the eighth month in the Islamic calendar and is known as the month of “separation” due to the pagan Arabs’ practice of dispersing in search of water during this time.
Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, its year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, causing Sha’ban to shift through the seasons.
Sha’ban’s arrival is significant for Muslims because it serves as a prelude to Ramadan, the ninth Hijri month. The appearance of the first crescent before sunset, with a minimum time gap of a few minutes, marks the beginning of a new Hijri month.
As the faithful await the start of this special month, preparations are being made to observe the customs and rituals associated with Sha’ban and be prepared for Ramadan’s arrival.
