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5/27/25, 1:40 PM Eid Al Adha 2025: How UAE moon sighting works, what it means | Khaleej Times

lasts until the 13th of the month. Day 9, 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.

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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.
used more than 100 drones
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.
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