Jakarta, NU Online
The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama announced that the 1st day of Sha'ban 1436 H falls on May 19, 2015. This conclusion was based on the results of rukyat (sighting moon) on Monday (18/5) evening.<>

The New moon or crescent could be seen, among others, in Markaz Rukyah Mount Sadeng Annuriyah II, Jember by the Astrology Committee of Nahdlatul Ulama (LFNU) of Jember, East Java, consisting of such members as RM Khotib, Hidayatullah, Rizki Abdullah, and A Hafid.

The announcement is in accordance with the LFNU predictions through astronomical calculations (hisab) that the 1st day of Sha'ban falls on Tuesday, as stipulated in the NU almanac.

"Thanks for the Nahdliyin participation and contribution. Jazakumullah ahsanal Jaza," said Chairman of the LFNU KH Ghazali Masroeri in a press release recently.

Sya'ban is one of the time that Muslims are encouraged to perform more good deeds and to be committed to their obligations towards Allah, such as the 'puasa sunat' , Quran recital, and 'sembahyang hajat' .Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practised a lot of 'ibadah sunnah' at this time of month. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to fast at this month and continued it until Ramadhan.

One of the benefits of performing the 'puasa sunat' during this month was as an exercise and to prepare for fasting before performing it for the whole month of Ramadhan, which follows after Sya'aban. During Ramadhan, it is an obligation for all Muslims to fast and stated as one of the five pillars of Islam. (Masdar)