The Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub (SSAH) has shared its crescent moon calculations for Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH with the UAE Council for Fatwa, with the data pointing to Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as the first day of Eid Al Adha.
Based on the calculations, the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah is expected to be born at 00:17 UAE time on Sunday, May 17, 2026 — corresponding to 29 Dhul Al Qi’dah 1447 AH. By sunset that day, the moon would be 18 hours and 39 minutes old and remain visible for approximately 57 minutes, a duration SSAH described as sufficient for naked-eye sighting under clear atmospheric conditions.
If the crescent is confirmed on that evening, Monday, May 18, would mark the start of Dhul Hijjah, placing the Day of Arafah — the ninth of the month — on Tuesday, May 26.
Dr. Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi, Director of SSAH, said the hub submitted the scientific findings to the UAE Council for Fatwa to support its moon-sighting efforts and inform Sharia rulings through the combination of scientific data and Islamic legal principles.
The SSAH, which operates under the University of Sharjah, noted that its findings are strictly within a scientific and astronomical scope, and that the authority to officially declare the start of Hijri months and religious occasions rests solely with the country’s competent religious and legal bodies.
