Saudi Arabia Expected to Sight Crescent Moon Marking Start of Shaban

SPA

Jeddah, Jan 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The crescent moon marking the start of Shaban is expected to be visible after sunset on Monday, appearing low on the southwestern horizon, the Jeddah Astronomy Society said.

Society director Eng. Majed Abu Zahra said the moon reached its central conjunction phase on Sunday, Rajab 29, 1447 AH, at 10:51 p.m. Makkah time, marking the moment the moon moves from west to east of the sun and signaling the start of a new lunar month.

As the moon moves farther from the sun’s glare, it should be clearer to the naked eye than it was the previous night, he said.