Latest news with #EmiratesFatwaCouncil
Khaleej Times
30-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE Fatwa council issues clarification on Friday prayers coinciding with Eid
Both the Eid prayer and the Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer in the UAE should be performed on time and in accordance with their Sunnah, even both fall on the same day, the Emirates Fatwa Council has clarified. This clarification comes as many Muslims across the UAE raised questions about the correct ruling when Eid Al Adha coincides with Friday. In its official statement, the Council acknowledged that this matter has long been a subject of scholarly debate. However, their fatwa supports the opinion held by the majority of Islamic scholars — including the Maliki school, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Al-Shafi'i, and a narration from Imam Ahmad — that both prayers should be observed separately and at their respective times. The Council stressed that Friday prayer is one of the most important obligations in Islam and cannot be waived without a valid excuse. It is considered an individual obligation for those required to perform it, while the Eid prayer — depending on the school of thought — is viewed as either a confirmed Sunnah or a collective obligation. However, they acknowledged that there are valid scholarly opinions allowing people who attend the Eid prayer to skip the Friday prayer and instead pray Dhuhr (the midday prayer) at home. Those who follow this opinion are not to be blamed, the Council noted, but attending Jumu'ah prayer remains the stronger and more rewarding choice. What about the Imam? Regardless of the differing views, the Council clarified that Friday prayer is not waived for the imam. He must lead it for those who attend, even if the number is small. This position is based on a what Abu Hurairah narrated, in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Two Eids have gathered on this day of yours, so whoever wishes, it will suffice for him from Friday, and we will gather.'
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE Fatwa council confirms it is permissible to pay Zakat Al Fitr in cash
The Emirates Fatwa Council has confirmed that it is permissible to pay Zakat Al-Fitr in cash, setting the cash value for the Hijri year 1446 AH at Dh25 per person. In a statement issued on the occasion of the approaching Eid Al-Fitr, and based on its role in clarifying the legal rulings related to worship and rituals, the Council affirmed its general fatwa issued in 1446 AH, corresponding to 2025 AD, regarding Zakat al-Fitr. It states that Zakat Al-Fitr is obligatory for Muslims, both young and old, male and female, and that those who are obligated to spend must pay it on behalf of themselves, their spouses, their children, and those they support. The amount of Zakat Al-Fitr is 2.5 kilograms of rice for each person, and it may be given in kind (rice) or in cash.
Khaleej Times
28-02-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Look: First image of Ramadan crescent captured in UAE
The holy month of Ramadan will begin on March 1 in the UAE as also in many countries of the world after the sighting of the crescent. The Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi captured the first image of the Ramadan crescent in the Islamic World in the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025. Earlier, the UAE had called on all Muslims to sight the crescent for Ramadan, the Emirates Fatwa Council announced on Wednesday. The sighting of the crescent signals the start of the next month according to the Hijri calendar, meaning the month of Shaban has ended at 29 days.
Khaleej Times
26-02-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Ramadan 2025: UAE calls on Muslims to sight Moon on February 28
The UAE has called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent for Ramadan on the evening of Friday, February 28, the Emirates Fatwa Council announced on Wednesday. The date corresponds to 29 Shaban AD in the Umm Al Qura calendar which has been developed by the country to determine dates and months. Islamic months in the Hijri calendar last up to 29 or 30 days. The Ramadan Crescent Sighting Committee, which is affiliated with the Emirates Fatwa Council, based on the Council's mandate to sight the crescent moon in the country, calls on anyone who sees the crescent moon to contact it on 027774647, or via the link: If the Moon is spotted on Friday evening after the Maghrib prayer, Ramadan will commence on March 1. Whereas, if the crescent is not sighted, then the holy month will begin on March 2. Saudi Arabia too called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent for Ramadan on the evening of Friday, February 28.
