Religious scholars, astronomers, and officials are scheduled to convene after Maghreb prayer this evening for the UAE Moonsighting Committee’s formal session to determine the start of Shawwal and the conclusion of Ramadan.
The UAE Council for Fatwa announced the gathering, which will assess crescent sighting reports collected from various locations across the country. Members of the public have also been invited to participate in the sighting effort tonight, corresponding to the 29th of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Astronomical data points to tomorrow completing the 30th day of Ramadan, placing the first day of Eid Al Fitr on Friday. The moonsighting session tonight will determine whether that projection holds or whether the crescent is confirmed earlier.
Government employees are in line for a four-day break beginning tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22, with offices reopening on Monday, March 23.
The Council for Fatwa’s call for public participation reflects the traditional collective nature of crescent sighting in the UAE, where confirmed reports from across the country factor into the official determination.
