The United Arab Emirates Fatwa Council has formally declared that the national committee tasked with observing the crescent moon signaling the commencement of Ramadan 2026 will assemble on Tuesday, February 17th. This significant religious undertaking will initiate following the Maghrib prayer, with officials meticulously examining evidence from both field observation teams and certified astronomical observatories throughout the nation.
In alignment with its constitutional mandate to authenticate the emergence of new Islamic months, the Council emphasized that this procedural rigor ensures a standardized national framework and reinforces public trust in the official declaration process. A definitive announcement regarding the confirmed sighting will be disseminated through all authorized communication channels upon the committee’s conclusive verification.
Remarkably, the Council has extended an invitation to the general public to participate in this traditional practice by attempting to sight the crescent on Tuesday evening and reporting any visual evidence via a dedicated digital portal on its official platforms. This initiative aims to revitalize the Sunnah of moon sighting and foster communal engagement in this sacred observance.
Concurrently, astronomers from the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomy Centre have issued a critical safety advisory, highlighting substantial risks associated with the observation attempt on February 17th. They caution that the moon’s proximity to the sun, which coincides with a solar eclipse, creates a hazardous scenario. Utilizing optical instruments like telescopes or binoculars without professionally certified solar filters can lead to severe and irreversible ocular damage, including blindness. Experts strongly urge strict adherence to professional safety protocols to prevent injury.
In a parallel development, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has similarly called upon Muslims within the Kingdom to attempt sighting the Ramadan crescent on the same evening, corresponding to the 29th of Shaban. The court has instructed citizens to report any sightings to the nearest judicial authority or assistance center to formally register their testimony.