Abu Dhabi: The UAE has officially called on Muslims to observe the crescent moon on the evening of Friday, February 28, to determine the start of Ramadan, the Emirates Fatwa Council announced on Wednesday.
If the crescent moon is sighted after the Maghrib prayer, Ramadan will commence on Saturday, March 1. However, if the moon remains unseen, the holy month will begin on Sunday, March 2.
Moon Sighting and Religious Observance
The sighting aligns with the 29th day of Shaban in the Umm Al Qura calendar, a system used in the UAE to calculate Islamic dates. The Ramadan Crescent Sighting Committee, operating under the Emirates Fatwa Council, has urged anyone who spots the moon to report their sighting via phone at 027774647 or through the official link: forms.office.com/r/CwAUg1buUP.
The International Astronomy Centre has projected that Ramadan is likely to begin on March 1, but the official confirmation will depend on the moon sighting. Each year, Muslims across the country eagerly await this observation, which marks the start of the sacred month of fasting.
Adjustments to Work Hours During Ramadan
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has already announced adjusted working hours for public sector employees during Ramadan. In the private sector, working hours will be reduced by two hours per day to accommodate religious observances.
Saudi Arabia Issues Similar Moon Sighting Call
Saudi Arabia has also requested Muslims in the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent on February 28, aligning with the UAE’s announcement.
