Shaaban Moon Not Sighted in Jammu Kashmir; Month to Begin January 21, Says Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi

Shaaban Moon Not Sighted in Jammu Kashmir; Month to Begin January 21, Says Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi

Grand Mufti Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi, on Monday evening said the Islamic month Shaaban 1447 AH will begin on January 21 (Wednesday).

Farooqi said there were no testimonies or credible reports regarding the sighting of the moon for the blessed month of Shaaban from any part of Jammu and Kashmir, and the month, preceding Ramadan, will begin on Wednesday.

The Grand Mufti further said that Shab-e-Baraat, observed on the intervening night of the 14th and 15th of Shaaban, will accordingly be observed on the night of February 4, 2026.

Farooqi said Shaaban holds great religious importance as it precedes the holy and blessed month of Ramadan. He said the month is meant for spiritual preparation, increased worship, and seeking forgiveness.

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Notably, Islamic scholars regard Shaaban as the month in which deeds are presented before Allah. It is reported that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, observed frequent voluntary fasting during Shaaban and encouraged believers to engage in prayer, remembrance of Allah, and charity. (GNS)