MUSCAT – While the official commencement of the month remains subject to the formal moon-sighting announcement by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, current scientific data indicates that the month of Shaaban will likely complete a full thirty days.

The International Astronomy Centre and regional observers note that while most Islamic nations will convene to look for the crescent on Tuesday, February 17, a valid sighting is expected to be technically impossible. This is because the moon will set nearly simultaneously with the sun across most of the Arab world, leaving no time for the crescent to become visible to the naked eye or even advanced telescopic equipment. As a result, Wednesday, February 18, is projected to be the final day of Shaaban, leading to the first day of fasting on Thursday.

This year’s observance is particularly significant as it marks a rare return to a February start for the first time in over three decades. The winter timing will offer residents in Oman a shift in the daily experience of the holy month, as the cooler climate and shorter daylight hours compared to previous summer cycles will naturally influence the pace of daily life and spiritual observance across the Sultanate.