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Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
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.
Middle East Eye
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Syrians mark first Eid al-Fitr after the fall of Bashar al-Assad
Syrians across the country gathered in mosques and public spaces on Monday morning to mark the first Eid al-Fitr since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the rebel leader-turned-president, attended the first-ever Eid prayer ceremony at the People's Palace in Damascus which featured a sermon that focused on a new era for Syria. Sharaa was accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Head of the Fatwa Council Sheikh Osama al-Rifai, military commanders from the Ministry of Defence, and other government representatives. Addressing worshippers, Sheikh Mohammed Abu al-Khair Shukri, the new minister of religious endowments, urged Syrians to continue their efforts to rebuild the country. 'We are in the construction phase after the former regime destroyed it. Everyone in Syria is invited to participate in this construction," Shukri said. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Thousands of Syrians performed Eid prayers in locations designated by the Ministry of Religious Endowments, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a war memorial in the capital which was previously subjected to strict visitation restrictions under the Assad regime. 'You couldn't even think about taking a picture here before, let alone have crowds gathering in these huge numbers," said Raghad, 26, who recently returned to Syria from Jordan and was praying at the tomb. "It's a sight that's almost unbelievable." Another worshipper, a 23-year-old student at the monument, described the moment succinctly: 'Vibes, vibes, vibes, such surreal vibes!' Heightened security risks For many, the sight of open and widely attended Eid prayers across the country symbolised a significant departure from the past. However, the festivities were overshadowed by security concerns. In the days leading up to Eid, the US Embassy in Syria issued a warning about a heightened risk of terrorist attacks which might target "embassies, international organisations, and Syrian public institutions in Damascus". Local security forces had been conducting operations in anticipation of possible attacks. On 26 March, Internal Security Forces arrested a former government sleeper cell allegedly planning attacks on high-profile public spaces, including markets and mosques. Syria reveals new religiously diverse interim government Read More » Additionally, on Saturday, Syrian authorities announced the discovery of a weapons cache in Homs linked to remnants of the former regime. In Damascus, residents described an atmosphere of both celebration and apprehension. 'To be honest, the days leading up to Eid were a nightmare. We were so scared that the 'fulool el Assad' [remnants of the Assad regime] were going to attack the mosques on Eid,' said Abu Oday, a resident in the Mazzeh district. Oday described heightened security inspections during Ramadan prayers at the local Imam Shafii Mosque. Residents were concerned that the mosque might be a high-risk target because it is located in Sharaa's childhood neighbourhood and he visited it several times during Ramadan prayers. A former teacher of Sharaa's is the mosque's imam. Just days before Eid, Syria's transitional government was formed, comprising 23 ministers, including members of religious minorities and figures from the early days of the 2011 uprising. The new administration is expected to oversee governance for five years before drafting a constitution and holding elections.
Al Bawaba
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Father of Ahmed al-Sharaa first public appearance sparks curiosity
ALBAWABA - Syria is celebrating Eid al-Fitr today and for the first time in over 50 years without the Assad regime, new Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa marked this Islamic holiday from the Presidential Palace in Damascus. Also Read Who is Latifa, wife of Ahmed al-Sharaa? A photo taken on Monday morning quickly went viral on social media, showing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa receiving well-wishers on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, however, his father's arrival to celebrate in the Presidential Palace ignited curiosity. Who is Ahmed al-Sharaa's father? Ahmed al-Sharaa's father, Hussein al-Sharaa, arrived on the first day of Eid al-Fitr in Syria to celebrate this special occasion with his son. Once he arrived, the Syrian president bent down to kiss his hand before embracing him to wish him a happy Eid. This is one of the few times the Syrian president's father has appeared in front of the cameras. During Eid prayers, al-Sharaa appeared with a group of senior Syrian officials, including Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, the head of the Fatwa Council, Sheikh Osama al-Rifai, other military commanders from the Syrian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the Syrian government, and Syrian citizens.
Khaleej Times
30-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Look: Shawwal crescent spotted in UAE skies as Eid Al Fitr begins
The UAE's Astronomy Centre released the first official image of the Shawwal crescent marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr festivities in the country. The image was captured on the morning of Sunday, March 30, in Abu Dhabi. The Moon was observed at the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory at 7.30am local time. At the time of capturing, the Moon's distance from the sun was 10.5 degrees. Yesterday, authorities confirmed the UAE will celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Sunday, March 30, after the spotting of the Shawwal crescent. This means that UAE residents will get a four-day break to celebrate the Islamic festival, in the first long weekend of 2025. This aligns with the official UAE holiday calendar which had said that the Eid Al Fitr holiday would be from Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3. This year, an official announcement added that Sunday March 30 (Ramadan 30) will also be a paid holiday. Earlier, UAE's Fatwa Council called on Muslims in the country to observe the crescent of Shawwal on Saturday evening, the 29th of Ramadan. Abu Dhabi
Khaleej Times
29-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Fitr in UAE: Moon sighted, holiday to begin March 30
The UAE will celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Sunday, March 30, authorities confirmed after the Shawwal crescent was spotted today. Sighting the Shawwal crescent marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and the beginning of Eid Al Fitr. This means that UAE residents will get a four-day break to celebrate the Islamic festival, in the first long weekend of 2025. This aligns with the official UAE holiday calendar which had said that the Eid Al Fitr holiday would be from Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3. This year, an official announcement added that Sunday March 30 (Ramadan 30) will also be a paid holiday. Earlier, UAE's Fatwa Council called on Muslims in the country to observe the crescent of Shawwal on Saturday evening, the 29th of Ramadan. Eid prayer timings In an official statement issued to Khaleej Times, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai confirmed that Eid prayers will take place at 6.30am across all mosques in the emirate. 'The Eid Al Fitr prayer will begin at 6.30am in over 680 mosques and prayer areas across Dubai,' IACAD said in the statement. Click here for the the full list of of Eid Al Fitr prayer timings according to General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowment's and Zakat. Free parking timings In Dubai, public parking will be free of charge from Shawwal 1 to 3, except for multi-level parking terminals. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has also announced that paid parking fees will resume on Shawwal 4. All paid parking in Sharjah will be free during the Eid Al Fitr holiday from Shawwal 1 to 3, the Municipality announced on Friday. However, this does not apply to the seven-day paid public parking zones, which remain operational throughout the week and official holidays, marked by blue parking information signs. In Ajman as well, authorities have announced all paid parking will be free from Shawwal 1 to 3.
