Ramadan 2024: UAE calls on Muslims to sight crescent moon on Sunday

Muslims across the country have been urged to contact 026921166 upon sighting the moon

Published: Fri 8 Mar 2024, 3:52 PM

Updated: Sun 10 Mar 2024, 1:56 PM

The UAE moon-sighting committee on Friday invited all Muslims in the country to sight the crescent of the month of Ramadan on Sunday evening, March 10, 2024.

The committee requested anyone who sees the crescent to contact the number 026921166.

The Islamic calendar usually lasts 29 or 30 days. The beginning and end of the month depend on the crescent Moon, so Ramadan is not set on any specific days annually.

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If spotted on the 29th Sha'ban, which falls on March 10 (today), the crescent would mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan from Monday, March 11. If the crescent is not sighted, then Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, March 12.

The Shariah courts nationwide will follow up and inform the committee of any sightings, while the Lunar Calendar Committee at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department will continue collecting evidence and reporting to the moon-sighting committee findings.

Saudi Arabia's moon sighting committee also declared the evening of Sunday, March 10, as the expected date for residents to spot Ramadan's crescent.

Islamic calendar

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The 12 months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-Awwal, Rabi' al Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Juamda al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'aban, Ramadan (the month of fasting), Shawwal, Dhu al-Qadah and Dhu al-Hijjah (the month in which Muslims go for Haj – pilgrimage).

Even though the Islamic calendar has 12 months, being a lunar calendar, it is shorter than the Gregorian calendar – nearly ten days shorter, in fact. This is why Ramadan falls at a different time every year according to the Gregorian calendar.

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