Sha’ban – the month that precedes the holy month of Ramadan – will start from Friday, March 4.

The crescent moon of Sha’ban was spotted on Thursday, March 3. The crescent moon signals the start of Hijri calendar month.  

The crescent of the month of Sha’ban was photographed on Thursday by the International Astronomy Centre through its astronomical observatory. A telescope was also used to see the crescent.

Sha’ban is the month when Muslims prepare themselves for dawn-to-dusk fasting in Ramadan.

Ramadan work timings for public sector

The work timings for public sector during Ramadan have been announced.  

From Monday to Thursday during the holy month, all government offices will work from 9am till 2pm. On Fridays, they will work from 9am to 12 noon.

During Ramadan, school and office work for less hours because most Muslims fast all day. They break their fast late in the evening.

Extended late evenings and post-midnight prayers are held in mosques in the holy month.