Eid Al Adha 2025: How UAE moon sighting works, what it means
Millions of Muslims across the world will scan the sky on Tuesday evening to look for the crescent moon, which would mark the beginning of the new month of Dhul Hijjah.
Islam follows a lunar calendar composed of 12 months based on the moon's cycle where each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. The UAE's moon sighting committee will meet on Tuesday after sunset to look for the moon.
UAE residents have been encouraged by the Fatwa Council to look for the moon and report it to the Crescent Sighting Committee by calling 027774647 or submitting an online form.
Dhul Hijjah is when Muslims around the world perform the Islamic pilgrimage Hajj in the Saudi Arabian city of Makkah. All believers are required to perform it once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage begins on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah and lasts until the 13th of the month. Day 10, which is called the Day of Arafah, is the holiest day for Muslims. While pilgrims stand on Mount Arafah for long periods praying, others around the world fast from dawn to dusk and do acts of charity.
Here is everything you need to know about moonsighting and its history:
History
The practice of trying to sight the moon is rooted in the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). In a Hadith, he is reported to have said 'Do not fast unless you see the (crescent) moon, do not break your fast until you see the (crescent) moon.'
Many scholars are of the opinion that looking for the crescent moon is a communal obligation. Today, many experts are able to predict the possible sighting of the moon based on astronomic calculations. However, most scholars agree that the start of the new month cannot be based on these calculations alone and that the moon must be sighted.
How it works
Here in the UAE, the moonsighting committee meets just after Maghrib prayers at sunset to look for the crescent moon. They will use advanced technology, including high-power telescopes, to scan the sky.
Earlier this year, the country used more than 100 drones for the first time to observe the crescent Moon that signalled the beginning of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr. The drones were flown over Al Khatim area to locate the moon by drawing a square perimeter around it for the observers to focus on, while an additional specifically equipped drone was used to capture a direct image of the crescent.
Typically the process of looking for the moon combines several elements, including Shariah and scientific committees, astronomical computerised resources, observation decks, individual testimonies, as well as the newly introduced drones by the International Astronomical Center, sponsored by the UAE Fatwa Council.
Observations occur from various locations across the country.
What happens
If the moon is spotted on Tuesday, the month of Dhul Hijjah will begin on Wednesday, May 28, with Eid Al Adha scheduled to fall on Friday, June 6. Otherwise the month will begin on Thursday, and Eid will be on Saturday, June 7.
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