Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Emirates Fatwa Council has urged all Muslims in the UAE to observe the sky for the crescent moon on the evening of Friday, February 28, to determine the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the council, which plays a pivotal role in confirming the lunar months in accordance with Islamic traditions.
The sighting corresponds to the 29th day of Shaban in the Umm Al Qura calendar, a system developed to accurately determine Islamic dates and months.
The Islamic Hijri calendar follows a lunar cycle, with months lasting either 29 or 30 days, making moon sighting essential for confirming the beginning of Ramadan.
Crescent Sighting Committee Issues Call to Action
The Ramadan Crescent Sighting Committee, affiliated with the Emirates Fatwa Council, has invited residents across the country to report any sightings of the crescent moon.
Those who observe the moon can contact the committee via the official phone number, 027774647, or submit their findings through the link: https://forms.office.com/r/CwAUg1buUP.
As per the official guidelines, if the crescent moon is spotted after Maghrib prayers on February 28, Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1.
However, if the moon is not visible, the holy month will commence on Sunday, March 2. The final confirmation will be made based on verified moon sightings by Islamic scholars and astronomers.
The UAE’s International Astronomy Centre has indicated that Ramadan is most likely to start on March 1, aligning with astronomical calculations. However, the official confirmation will still rely on the traditional moon sighting process.
Working Hours Adjusted for Ramadan
In preparation for the holy month, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced adjusted working hours for public sector employees.
Similarly, private sector employees will benefit from reduced working hours, with two fewer hours per workday throughout Ramadan. This adjustment aims to accommodate fasting Muslims, who refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset.
Saudi Arabia Follows Suit
Saudi Arabia has also called on its citizens to sight the Ramadan crescent on the same evening, February 28. The Kingdom, like the UAE, follows moon sighting traditions to determine the start of the Islamic month.
Each year, the moon sighting event draws significant attention from Muslim communities worldwide, as the beginning of Ramadan marks a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
The holy month is observed by millions of Muslims, bringing about a shift in daily routines, work schedules, and communal worship. With expectations high for Ramadan to start on March 1, residents across the UAE will be eagerly awaiting the official announcement.
The Emirates Fatwa Council is expected to confirm the start of the holy month shortly after sunset on February 28, based on reports from various observation sites.
For further updates, residents are encouraged to stay connected through official government channels and reputable news sources.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members